Xiantao

Xiantao is a county-level city in the east of Hubei province, China, situated in the Jianghan Plain. Administratively, it is a directly administered city (direct administration) under the Hubei provincial government. This means it does not fall under the jurisdiction of any prefecture-level city.

Historically, the area now known as Xiantao has been part of different administrative divisions throughout Chinese history. Modern Xiantao was established in 1986 by merging the former Mianyang County and the city of Shayang.

Xiantao is known for its agricultural production, particularly its cotton and other crops grown in the fertile Jianghan Plain. In recent decades, it has also developed industries such as textiles, plastics, and non-woven fabrics. The city is also known as the "Gymnastics Township" due to the large number of gymnasts it has produced.

Xiantao has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, damp winters. The city is connected to other parts of Hubei province and China through a network of highways and railways.