The Tomb Complex of the Han Kuangsi Family

The Tomb Complex of the Han Kuangsi Family

The Tomb Complex of the Han Kuangsi Family is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Tomb Complex of the Han Kuangsi Family is located on the southern foothills of Baiyinhanshan Mountain in Wulanbaqi Township, Bayinwula Sumu, Bairin Left Banner, Chifeng City. It consists of two valleys, three mountain hollows, two sacrificial sites, and one large residential settlement site.

This tomb complex functioned as a family burial ground from the first year of the Liao Tonghe era (983 AD) to the fall of the Liao Dynasty (1125 AD), making it over 1,020 years old. It is the largest known family tomb complex from the Liao Dynasty, representing a comprehensive collection of mid-to-late Liao Dynasty tomb structures. It stands as an exemplary fusion of Central Plains Han geomantic culture and Khitan traditions. Numerous epitaphs have been unearthed from the Han family tombs, providing tangible evidence for the study of the Liao Dynasty’s political system, military organization, official rank system, and funeral customs. These findings significantly supplement gaps and correct inaccuracies in historical records of the Liao Dynasty. Although some tombs have been looted, many remain well-preserved, serving as valuable material for studying Liao Dynasty architecture and burial practices. The discovery of a large Liao Dynasty settlement site within the complex is of great reference value for researching the location of Han Kuangsi’s private city — Quanzhou. The Han family tomb complex is situated on the relatively flat southern slope of Baiyinhanshan Mountain. Approximately 5,000 square meters southeast of the tomb area, rows of building foundations are clearly visible. The surface also features scattered remnants from the Liao Dynasty, including bricks, tiles, lime, bell-shaped stone pillar bases, and various ceramic fragments. Among the artifacts unearthed from the Han family tomb complex is a gilt mask. Han Kuangsi’s father, Han Zhigu, an ethnic Han, was one of the 21 meritorious officials appointed by Emperor Taizu of Liao. Han Kuangsi, the third son of Han Zhigu, served as Right Valiant Guard General during the reign of Emperor Taizong, later promoted to General of the Er’yi Hall. Though largely overlooked during the reigns of Emperors Shizong and Muzong, Han Kuangsi was entrusted with significant responsibilities again after Emperor Jingzong ascended the throne.

Approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Bairin Left Banner lies the family tomb complex of Han Kuangsi and his descendants. The Han Kuangsi family was a unique clan during the Liao Dynasty, and its rise and fall mirrored the trajectory of the dynasty itself. As the first Han official family granted the Khitan royal surname “Yelü,” the Han clan became a prominent noble lineage, ranking only after the imperial and empress clans of the Liao. They were instrumental in Sinicizing the Khitan aristocracy and advancing the feudalization of Khitan society. Their evolution reflects the mutual influence and integration between northern nomadic peoples and central plains Han people, as well as between agricultural and nomadic cultures — a vivid representation of ethnic interaction and assimilation. Studying this family from the perspectives of national unity and the transformation of grassland empire governance holds great significance.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units