Located south of the Jishan Hill and 5 km north to Jingzhou, Jinan used to be the capital city of the State of Chu (689BC-278BC), serving some 20 kings. It was the political, economic and cultural center of Chu and a big city in south China at the time. The earthrammed city walls have been reserved well today, 6-7 m high in some sections. The ruins show the city is nearly square: 4. 5 km from east to west and 3.5 km from south to north, covering some 16 sq. km. It is on the list of cultural relics under state protection.