[2] Chao's exact location is unknown; traditionally, it was assumed that the state had existed in the vicinity of modern-day Chaohu, Anhui,[1][3] but more recent sinologists like He Hao and Barry Blakeley consider it more likely that Chao was located further north, near the Huai River.

[5] After the Zhou dynasty had largely collapsed in the 8th century BCE, Chao became fully independent, but soon came to be threatened by the expansionist state of Chu.

Around 600 BCE, Chao and the other Shu states were forced to officially submit to Chu in order to avoid destruction.

Nevertheless, the Shu states continued to maintain their desire for independence, which was supported and stirred by Chu's rival, Wu.

In response, Chu began to fully conquer them one by one, beginning with Chao, whose fall is dated between 583-575 BCE by He Hao and sometime earlier by Blakeley.