China & TibetAsia

Chu (state)

c. 1030 – 223 BCE · about 807 years approximate dates

Chu was a state of the Zhou era in the middle Yangtze region, with a distinct culture known from its lacquerware, silk texts and the poetry of Qu Yuan. Its rulers claimed the title of king from the early 8th century BCE, rejecting Zhou supremacy. It was one of the strongest Warring States until Qin conquered it in 223 BCE.

Key facts

Dates	c. 1030 – 223 BCE
Region	China & Tibet
Continent	Asia
Type	kingdom (Zhou-era state)
Capitals	Danyang, Ying, Shouchun
Founder	Xiong Yi
Religion(s)	Chinese folk religion
Peak extent	≈ 0.8 million km² (c. 300 BCE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Yue (state) Lu (state)

Followed by

Qin dynasty

Sources

Wikipedia – Chu (state)
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.