Chu was a hegemonic; Zhou dynasty era state. From King Wu of Chu in the early 8th century BCE; the rulers of Chu declared themselves kings on an equal footing with the Zhou kings.

Though initially inconsequential; removed to the south of the Zhou heartland and practising differing customs; Chu began a series of administrative reforms; becoming a successful expansionist state during the Spring and Autumn Period. With its continued expansion Chu became a great Warring States period power; and its culture a major influence on the Han dynasty.