Treasures of China's Liao Empire

A Forgotten Nomadic Dynasty

The Liao Dynasty (907-1125), also known as the Khitan Empire, was an empire in northern China that ruled over regions of Manchuria, Mongolia, and parts of northern China.

The Khitan, a minority group and ancient nomadic tribe, lived on the eastern slopes of the Greater Khingan mountain range, in what is now eastern Inner Mongolia.

By the early seventh century the Khitan sought to establish their own state on China's frontier but failed due to strong Tang resistance.

In 916, Abaoji, the chief of the Khitan tribe, established the Khitan Kingdom and proclaimed himself emperor. Historically, Abaoji is known as Emperor Taizu. Two years later, Abaoji established his capital north of the Xar Moron River and named it Huangdu, meaning "imperial capital".

In 947, Emperor Taizong renamed the dynasty the "Great Liao". In 983, Emperor Shengzong revived the name Khitan, but in 1066, Emperor Daozong restored the name "Great Liao."

At the height of its power and influence, the Liao Dynasty's territory extended to the Northern Sea, Eastern Sea, Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea in the east; to Jinshan (Altai Mountain) and Liusha (Bailongdui Desert in Xinjiang) in the west; to the Kelulun, E'erkun and Selun'ge Rivers in the north; to the southern slopes of the Greater Xing'anling Mountains in the northeast; and to the northern Shanxi, Baigou in Hebei Province, and northern part of Gansu in the south.

Following the prosperity of the reigns of Emperor Shengzong and Xingzong, the Liao Dynasty entered a period of decline. In the early 12th century, the Jurchen tribe gradually grew in strength and became a major threat to the Liao. In 1115, the Jurchen established their own dynasty, the Jin (Kin) Dynasty, with Aguda as emperor. In the same year, Jin forces captured Huanglong, a strategically important Liao town.

The Liao government, weakened by economic hardship and internal conflict, became increasingly fragile. Soon, Jin forces occupied most Liao territory. In 1125, Emperor Tianzuo was captured by the Jin army, bringing the Liao Dynasty to an end.

This is a photographic journey through the Chinese provinces of Liaoning, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Shanxi, and Beijing Municipality, in search for traces and treasures of the Liao Dynasty. A visual diary that reflects both China's past and its present.