The Nailingao Liao Tombs

The Nailingao Liao Tombs

The Nailingao Liao Tombs are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Nailingao Liao Tombs are located in Mutouyingzi and Wulibuge villages within Nailingao Township, Kulun Banner, and date back to the reign of Emperor Shengzong of the Liao Dynasty. The two tombs near Mutouyingzi Village consist of a large mural tomb and a smaller stone-chamber tomb to its right. The mural tomb features murals painted on the passageway, courtyard, and chamber walls—these are rich in content, brilliantly colored, and imbued with strong characteristics of northern nomadic culture. They depict the life of the Khitan people, including their travels by horse and carriage, feasting, entertainment, and customs. Notably, the wooden-structure imitation paintings in the front stone chamber feature lifelike figures. Although the smaller stone-chamber tomb was damaged, a large number of gold and silver artifacts were unearthed and preserved inside. Among them, the celadon ware is exquisitely fired with a smooth glaze. A deep-bellied celadon bowl stands out as one of the finest pieces. Research suggests it originates from the Yue Kiln in southern China.

The two tombs excavated in Wulibuge Village are both large multi-chamber brick-and-stone tombs. One tomb, located southwest of the village, consists of seven sections: a passageway, courtyard, tomb gate, corridor, north and south side chambers, and the main chamber. The walls of the passageway, courtyard, and tomb gate are completely covered with murals, covering a total area of 60 square meters. These include works such as "Hunting Scene," "Return Scene," and "Dance and Music Scene."

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units