Fang County

Fang County or Fangxian is a county of northwestern Hubei province, People's Republic of China. It is under the administration of Shiyan City.

The county spans an area of 5110 km2, and has a population of 390,991 as of 2010.

History
During the Spring and Autumn period, the region was known as Fangzhu.

During the Warring States period, the area belonged to the State of Chu.

The area was incorporated as Fangling County during the Qin dynasty, where it belonged to the.

In 636 CE, the area of present-day Fang County was organized as.

In 1277, Fang Prefecture was changed to Fang County, which it has remained since. It was placed under the jurisdiction of.

In 1476, Xiangyang Fu was changed to.

Republic of China
Upon the establishment of the Republic of China, the area was placed under the jurisdiction of.

In 1931, the area was re-organized as the 11th of Hubei Province. In 1936, it was changed to be under the 8th Administrative Inspectorate of Hubei Province.

People's Republic of China
In 1949, upon the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the area was administered under the.

The area was moved to the jurisdiction of the in 1965.

In 1994, the county was moved to the jurisdiction of the newly-formed prefecture-level city of Shiyan.

Geography
The Wudang Mountains run through the northern part of Fang County, and the Daba Mountains run through its southern part.

The lowest part of the county is Jiangjiapo, in , which stands 180 m above sea level. The highest part of the county is Guanjiaya, in , which stands 2485.6 m above sea level.

Administrative divisions
Fang County administers 12 towns and 8 townships.

Former divisions
In March 2012, Langkou Township was abolished, and merged into the town of Yinjifu.

Economy
Mineral deposits in the county include copper, iron, lead, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, coal, and gypsum.

A number of large caves in Fang County also serve as tourist attractions.

Transport
National Highway 209 runs through the county.