Tombes peintes de Liaoyang

The Painted Tombs of Liaoyang are underground burial chambers decorated with wall paintings showing daily life scenes, religious imagery, and celestial patterns across multiple connected rooms. The chambers were constructed using interlocking shale blocks and feature detailed painted work on the interior surfaces.

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 interior walls feature mineral-based pigments applied directly to shale slabs that were imported from the Nanfen area specifically for these tombs. This technique of painting on layered stone created surfaces that have endured remarkably well through the centuries.