Shishou is called Shishou Mountain, which is "isolated with stones" in the north of the city. 1984 Shishou is listed as one of the nine pilot counties and cities for comprehensive reform in Hubei Province. 1986 the State Council approved the withdrawal of counties to set up a city, and 1988 was listed as a national open city.

Shishou has more than 70 key scenic spots and 2 nature reserves, including China People's Nature Reserve and Yangtze Swan Island Baiji Dolphin Nature Reserve at the national level, Swan Island Wetland Elk Nature Reserve at the provincial level, and Taohua Mountain and Zoumaling as the main tourist areas at the municipal level.

Shishou belongs to subtropical monsoon climate zone. Sufficient light energy, sufficient heat and long frost-free period. Annual total solar radiation 104- 1 10 kcal/cm2, annual sunshine hours 1800-2000 hours, annual average temperature 15.9- 16.6℃, ≥

There are enough climatic resources for crops to grow. The precipitation from April to June accounts for 80% of the whole year, the solar radiation accounts for 75% of the whole year, and the accumulated temperature ≥ 10℃ accounts for 80% of the whole year. The climatic conditions of water and heat synchronization are consistent with the agricultural production season, which is suitable for the growth and development of various crops. The climate near 30 degrees north latitude of Shishou is particularly complicated. Living in the deep inland, it is less affected by the ocean and forms a typical continental climate.