a plain in China, situated in a bend of the Huang Ho; the northern edge of the Ordos Plateau. The plain measures approximately 400 km in length and 100 km in width. It has elevations of 1,000–1,200 m. The Hot’ao is made up of deposits from the Huang Ho, and sections of sand are encountered. There is irrigation farming of wheat, kaoliang, millet, buckwheat, and, in some places, rice. The city of Baotou (Paot’ou) is situated on the plain.