Site of the Liao Dynasty Jiangsheng Prefecture City

Site of the Liao Dynasty Jiangsheng Prefecture City

The site of the Liao Dynasty Jiangsheng Prefecture City is located on the first-level terrace on the left bank of the Mengke River in Wushijiazi, Manihan Township, Aohan Banner, Chifeng City, to the west of Wushijia Village. It was designated as an autonomous region-level key cultural relics protection unit in 1996. The current city walls form a rectangle, approximately 250 meters from north to south and 225 meters wide from east to west, with remnants about 2 meters high. Outside the city walls there is also an encircling wall, with sides about 600 meters long, but due to farming and leveling, only gray soil strips can be seen. There are multiple building foundations both inside and outside the city, all of which were leveled during the 1974 farmland campaign.

In the northern part of the central axis within the city stands a brick-built Buddhist pagoda. It is an octagonal, dense-eave, hollow-style structure with thirteen tiers of eaves, standing 34 meters tall and 6 meters wide at the base. The steeple part was added during a Yuan Dynasty renovation, while the rest is Liao Dynasty architecture. However, some architectural components were replaced or added during the renovation—some by the Yuan Dynasty and some by the Ming Dynasty. The base of the pagoda has four layers: the lowest first layer features wood-like bracket brick carvings; the second layer is carved with half-relief patterns of the pagoda and Buddha niches; the third layer consists of wood-like bracket brick carvings; and the fourth layer is adorned with brick-carved railings divided into upper and lower sections—the upper section displays a swastika pattern, while the lower section alternates between flying dragons and floral motifs. Above the fourth layer and beneath the main body of the pagoda, a large blooming lotus petal design supports the tower, though much of it is now damaged. The Ming Dynasty renovation only filled cracks without making major repairs. The corners of the pagoda body feature corner pillars supporting brackets, with bracket arms shaped like inverted V’s, though not entirely uniform. The upper eave corners hold small animal ornaments, symmetrically aligned. Adjacent to these are small niches housing Buddha statues, all of similar appearance. Most of these small niches have lost their original coloration, although some retain faded traces of various colors. The upper structure cleverly connects to the main body of the pagoda. The second tier from the top is engraved with various divine figures, though they are now indistinct. The second tier from the bottom features prominent horizontal patterns. The surrounding area is densely covered with brick fragments, many of which are inscribed, though most have been eroded. The middle section of the structure retains a strong sense of layered design. The upper part of the second tier is deeply recessed, perhaps serving as a niche or decorative element, followed by layers of high and low reliefs.

In the autumn of 1995, the pagoda’s inner chamber was robbed, and the Aohan Banner Museum conducted a clearance. From the north-facing entrance downward, the area was filled with Qing Dynasty deposits. Artifacts unearthed included thangkas, clay Buddhist statues, bronze mirrors, and copper coins. The clearance revealed that the structure was entirely hollow from the crypt up to the eleventh tier of eaves, with levels divided by built-in steps. There were two adjacent shafts, one above the other. During the original construction in the Liao Dynasty, certain parts were discovered to have been altered, and some areas in the upper section showed signs of possible damage affecting the upper niches. Additionally, the lotus petal design and the second tier of the chamber displayed intricate eighth-tier patterns and the second crypt Erkuo Guni, possibly damaged or altered during later renovations. Some of the brick ornamentation and the second crypt were also affected. The architectural elements clearly demonstrate a multi-period construction history. The upper decorative patterns and the second crypt reflect the original styles of their respective eras. The upper decorative carvings and the second crypt also show remnants of ancient craftsmanship. The surrounding carvings exhibit distinct period styles. The higher sections display delicate artistry, while the lower sections show clear signs of Ming Dynasty modifications. The second tier from the top shows deep engravings, perhaps as part of a decorative niche or symbolic element, followed by alternating high and low reliefs.

As this city and the Liao pagoda have been included in the "Dictionary of Scenic Spots in China," and recent research has identified the area as part of the Yuan Dynasty’s Ningchang Road, specifically the fief of Yilie Tribe leader Butu, it has drawn academic attention. Since being designated as an autonomous region-level key cultural relics protection unit, local governments have strengthened the protection of the site.