Jingzhou has been a place of strategic importance throughout the ages. In 689BC, the Kingdom of Chu moved its capital to the city of Jinan, which was just north of Jingzhou but has long since disappeared. During the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280AD) fierce battles were fought there and it is said that the ancient city walls were built by Guan Yu.

The present city walls were built in 1644. They surround the ancient city for 10km (6 miles) and are 8 meters (27ft) high, 10 meters (33ft) thick with 6 city gates. For additional defense inside the city walls there is an earthen wall and a moat.