Baoshan Hansumu Tombs

Baoshan Hansumu Tombs

The Baoshan Hansumu Tombs are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Baoshan Tombs are located 1.5 kilometers west of Baoshan Village, Dongshabutai Township, Ar Horqin Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and are aristocratic tombs from the Liao Dynasty (916–1125 AD); the Hansumu Tombs are located about 30 kilometers southeast of Ar Horqin Banner in Inner Mongolia, to the south of the “Cracked Mountain” northeast of Guriban Hushu Pastoral Village, and form the family cemetery of the Yelü Yuzhi clan from the Liao Dynasty.

The Baoshan Tombs feature a rectangular graveyard complex covering an area of 3,400 square meters, enclosed by rammed earth walls with gates on the east and south sides, each featuring a barbican. Within the graveyard are over 10 tombs, arranged in at least three rows. Tomb No. 1 contains a mural inscription dated to the second year of Tianzan (923 AD), making it the earliest known tomb of a Khitan aristocrat. Tombs No. 1 and No. 2 are decorated with exquisite polychrome murals, represented by works such as "Elegant Figures," "Descending Immortals," "Silk Embroidery," and "Sutra Chanting." The murals are well-composed, with concise and smooth brushwork that captures fine details. Particularly notable are the many elaborately dressed female figures, whose expressions and costumes reflect the styles of the Tang and Five Dynasties periods. These artworks showcase the achievements of early Liao painting and hold high artistic and academic value.

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units