Tomb of Yelü Cong

Tomb of Yelü Cong

The Tomb of Yelü Cong is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Tomb of Yelü Cong is situated in the Pigeon Cave area southwest of Gongyingzi Village, Ma'anshan Township. Backed by steep peaks and flanked by small hills, the site features towering pines on both sides, vibrant flowers and grasses, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies, birdsong and floral fragrance. A gentle breeze stirs the vast sea of pine waves, while a stream carries the fragrance of blossoms for miles. This exquisite natural setting perfectly aligns with the principles of ancient feng shui. This prime burial site was the final resting place of Yelü Cong, an eminent figure of the Liao Dynasty who came from royal lineage, held the highest rank among the “Three Outer Dukes,” served as the “Imperial Tutor” during the reign of Emperor Jingzong of Liao, and was a prominent statesman of his time. Historical records indicate that he passed away in the 11th year of Baoyuan during Emperor Jingzong’s reign (979 AD), making this one of over ten Liao Dynasty historical sites in our region.

During his lifetime, Yelü Cong held a noble title and high status. Judging from the surviving stone carvings, his tomb was once solemn and extraordinary. Unfortunately, in the early years of the Republic of China, the tomb was robbed and damaged. Today, only a Guanyin Monument stands upright at the front center of the tomb, along with neatly arranged stone carvings behind it—stone sheep, stone tigers, and statues of warriors and scholars—all carved from granite. On the right side of the tomb, there was originally another stele documenting Yelü Cong’s political life, achievements, and the historical interactions between the Liao Dynasty and the Northern Song Dynasty. Now, only the tortoise-shaped pedestal remains. According to archaeologists, the Tomb of Yelü Cong was a relatively prestigious Liao Dynasty mausoleum, and its stone carvings are among the most well-preserved group of Liao Dynasty stone sculptures to date.

Yelü Cong was one of the key figures during the reign of Emperor Jingzong of Liao. According to inscriptions and the “History of Liao,” he harbored great ambitions from a young age, dedicated himself to study, and excelled in both literary talent and military strategy. After Emperor Shizong of Liao (Yelü Xian) ascended the throne, Yelü Cong rose rapidly through the ranks. During his political career, his open-mindedness, progressive thinking, advocacy for peaceful diplomacy and a “border harmonization policy,” as well as his emphasis on adopting foreign cultures and technologies, greatly contributed to consolidating the Liao regime and advancing Khitan society. His own career also flourished, rising from the positions of Chonglu Grand Master and Colonel Who Inspects the Palace Guard to Governor of Huazhou, and eventually to Duke of Qishui Commandery, a hereditary title and the highest military rank. Truly, his rise was meteoric, and his official rank was highly distinguished.

However, good times did not last long. Yelü Cong’s political career was relatively brief, and he retired to his hometown in the prime of life. Later, in deep melancholy, he sought “the principle of inaction and the cause of existence,” devoting himself to Buddhism. He spent his days in meditation, wandering the mountain borders, living frugally, and passed away at the age of fifty-one, filled with the regret of “unfulfilled lofty ambitions.”

The Tomb of Yelü Cong not only holds artistic value representative of Liao Dynasty culture but also possesses significant archaeological importance for the study of Liao history and the resolution of certain historical questions.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units