In the territory of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, during the Warring States period, it belonged to Qianzhong Commandery of Chu. On August 1, 1952, with the approval of the Central People's Government, six counties including Qiancheng, Fenghuang, Yongsui, Luxi, Guzhang, and Baojing were designated to establish the Xiangxi Miao Autonomous Region (prefecture level). In 1955, Xiangxi Miao Autonomous Region was reorganized into Xiangxi Miao Autonomous Prefecture. On September 20, 1957, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture was established. [16] Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is a national level Wuling Mountain Area (Xiangxi) Tujia and Miao cultural and ecological protection zone and a national comprehensive tourism demonstration zone. It has the first batch of national historical and cultural cities, Fenghuang County, within its jurisdiction. There are numerous cultural relics in the prefecture, and Laosi City and its surrounding areas have a large number of natural and cultural landscape relics. Xiangxi is also one of the birthplaces of Wuling culture. Simultaneously enjoying the policies of the National Western Development Plan, it is one of the three prefecture level administrative regions that enjoy relevant policies.

   There are 209 families, 897 genera, and over 2206 species of vascular plants in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Preserving world-renowned relict plants such as Metasequoia, Eucommia ulmoides, Ginkgo biloba, Taxus chinensis, Bole tree, Eucommia ulmoides, and Fragrant Fruit Tree; There are 985 species of medicinal plants, among which 19 species such as Eucommia ulmoides, Ginkgo biloba, Gastrodia elata, Camphor, and Ginger are nationally protected precious medicinal materials; More than 230 species of oil plants with seed oil content greater than 10%; 383 species belonging to 216 genera and 91 families of ornamental plants; More than 60 types of vitamin plants; There are 12 types of pigment plants. It is an important production area for Chinese tung oil trees, oil tea, lacquer, and traditional Chinese medicinal materials.

     Xiangxi Golden Tea grows in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture and is an ancient and rare local tea tree species in Xiangxi. It is a national geographical indication trademark. In early spring tea, the amino acid content was as high as 7.8%, the tea polyphenol content was as high as 30%, and the water extract content was as high as 46.6%, with the characteristics of "high amino acids, high chlorophyll, and high water extract". Xiangxi Golden Tea has a green color, rich aroma, refreshing taste, and a sweet aftertaste. It has the quality characteristics of "green, fragrant, fresh, and strong" and is known as "one of the best green teas in China". Jishou City is the core production area of Xiangxi Golden Tea.