LIAOYANG, China, Dec. 10, 2025 — The “Eastern Metropolis Mirrored in the Liang River: Exhibition of Copies and Unearthed Artifacts from the Han-Wei-Jin Mural Tombs of Liaoyang” commenced on November 29, 2025, at the Liaoning Provincial Museum. This event was organized by the Liaoyang Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Broadcast and TV, among other organizations. The exhibition features over 80 items (sets) of mural reproductions and artifacts excavated from the Liaoning Provincial Museum and the Liaoyang Museum, structured around three themes: “Encountering Xiangping,” “Longing for Eternity,” and “Admiring the Murals.” Its objective is to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the Han and Wei dynasties’ cultural environment through significant historical depictions and genuine narratives.
The Liaoyang Han-Wei-Jin Mural Tombs, which date back over 1,800 years, are considered the zenith of ancient Chinese mural artistry. These murals precede the Dunhuang murals by three centuries and stand as a unique treasure within China’s ancient art collection, exemplifying classical realism. Recognized as national treasures, they are among the initial group of major historical and cultural sites granted national protection, alongside landmarks such as the Palace Museum and the Great Wall.
Research indicates that Liaoyang contains more than a thousand tombs from the Han, Wei, and Jin dynasties, with 33 of these featuring murals. The most extensive tomb boasts 16 murals stretching 23 meters. These murals, painted directly onto bluestone slabs with mineral pigments, are notable for their striking compositions and vivid hues. They primarily illustrate scenes such as guard processions, feasts, musical performances and dances, acrobatics, granaries and kitchens, and gate-guarding warriors amidst swirling clouds across interconnected walls. They offer a vibrant depiction of the daily lives of aristocratic households and the working populace during the Han, Wei, and Jin dynasties. These murals serve as crucial historical resources for understanding the societal structure, architectural styles, and cultural practices in Liaoyang during the Han and Wei periods.
Source: Liaoyang Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Broadcast and TV
CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Liu, Tel: 86-10-63074558
