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Xiabali Liao Dynasty tombs (North Xuanhua Station)

Updated: Dec 24, 2019 govt.chinadaily.com.cn Print
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Xiabali Liao Dynasty tombs
下八里辽墓

North Xuanhua Station

Address: Xiabali village, Xuanhua district, Zhangjiakou, Hebei province
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Admission: free

An overview of the Liao Dynasty Tombs [Photo/uxuanhua.com]

Covering an area of 360 square meters, the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) tombs are located in Xiabali village of Xuanhua district, which was formerly under the rule of the Khitan Liao regime. It is the family cemetery of the Zhangs, and in particular Zhang Shiqing, a senior official of the Liao. Among the 11 discovered tombs, there are 96 murals found quite intact, which mostly show real-life scenes depicting the tomb occupants, including a tea ceremony, traveling, feasting and playing chess.

A tomb mural showing servants preparing tea [Photo/uxuanhua.com]
Detail from a tomb mural depicting a musical ensemble [Photo/uxuanhua.com]

In particular, the celestial map painted in the tomb of Zhang Shiqing is considered to be especially precious. Both the Chinese traditional constellation method and the western zodiac are represented, providing crucial information for the research of cultural communication in ancient times.

The constellation map depicted in the tomb of Zhang Shiqing [Photo/uxuanhua.com]

Besides their aesthetic value, through the murals people can gain a better understanding of the coexisting and blended customs of the Khitan and Han people during the Liao Dynasty.

 

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