The golden turtle is a semi-water turtle. They like to live in amphibious environment, and their swimming ability is poor, so they can't live in deep water. If they are placed in deep water, they are prone to choking or drowning. Moreover, they live on land for half of their lives. Wild golden turtles live in streams, canyons, river forks and lakes. When they usually or hibernate, they climb into wet grass, rice fields or mountain streams. When the weather is good, they will climb to the land to bask in the sun. But when the weather is hot, they will hide in grass or other cool places.

The golden turtle is a shallow water turtle, and the water level should not be too high when rearing, otherwise it will affect their breathing and activities. The water level in childhood needs to be relatively shallow, and the height can be controlled below the carapace. Because their physical strength is weak in childhood and their ability to swim is poor, if the water level is too deep, it will affect their normal breathing. When they are adults, the height of water level can be consistent with the height of carapace, because they have strong physical strength and swimming ability in adulthood, and the height of water level can be relatively raised.