Beijing-Zhangjiakou high speed railway
Xiabali Liao Dynasty tombs (North Xuanhua Station)
Updated: Dec 24, 2019
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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
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.
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.
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.
