Chu

Chu was an ancient Chinese state that existed during the Zhou dynasty and the Warring States Period, from approximately 722 BCE until its annexation by the Qin in 223 BCE. Located south of the Zhou heartland, its first ruler was King Wu of Chu in the early 8th century BC. The state's capital, Danyang, was situated at the junction of the Dan and Xi Rivers for over 400 years before moving to Ying. Chu encompassed much of present-day Hubei and Hunan, along with parts of several other modern Chinese provinces.