Jingzhou
The ancient city of Jingzhou is located about 240km
(150 miles) west of Wuhan and is part of the port of Shashi.
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.
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