Painted Tombs at Liaoyang, Archaeological burial site in Liaoyang, China.

The Painted Tombs at Liaoyang are a group of Eastern Han to Wei-Jin stone burial chambers built from bluish shale slabs joined with white-lime mortar, mostly below ground level under large earthen mounds. Large tombs have a front room, rear room, corridor, side chambers and several coffin chambers, about 7 to 8 m across; small ones, like Efang Tomb No. 1, measure 4.8 by 3.48 m and 1.48 m high. Murals are painted directly on the stone walls.

These tombs date from the Eastern Han through the Western Jin dynasties, representing three centuries of burial practices and artistic development in ancient China. The period shows how tomb construction and decoration techniques evolved significantly over time.

The painted murals show banquets, hunting expeditions, and daily household activities that reflect how noble families lived in ancient Liaodong. These images reveal the social customs and priorities that mattered to people in that era.

The burial chambers are spread throughout Liaoyang city at different locations and can be reached using local transportation connections. It is best to check which specific sites are currently open before planning your visit, as not all excavation areas may be accessible at the same time.

The murals were painted directly onto the bluish shale slabs of the chambers, with white-lime pointing between them. Mineral pigments in red, green, yellow, orange and purple were applied with brushes, and excavators found the colours still bright. The Efang Tomb No. 1, added to the national list in 2006, measures 4.8 m long, 3.48 m wide and 1.48 m high.