Liao Shangjing site

Liao Shangjing is an archaeological site in Inner Mongolia divided into two connected areas: an imperial city in the north and a settlement zone in the south joined by fortified walls. The on-site museum holds more than 113,000 cultural objects, including pieces of national importance that illustrate Khitan civilization.

This location served as the capital of the Khitan Liao Dynasty from 918 to 1120 and was a center of power in Northeast China during that era. The extended rule shaped the entire region and left lasting imprints on its built environment and social structures.

Buddhist artworks, pagodas, and religious structures found here show how strongly faith shaped daily life during the Liao period. The remains reveal how spiritual beliefs influenced the city's layout and its people's choices.

The site is best visited during warmer months when archaeological areas and outdoor sections are easily accessible. The museum offers indoor spaces where you can explore the collection comfortably on cooler or rainy days.

The city was laid out in the shape of the Chinese character '日', blending nomadic and settled populations through its distinctive urban design. This arrangement shows how two different ways of living coexisted side by side here.