Liaoyang, known as “Xiangping” in ancient times, has a history dating back over 2,300 years since its establishment. It was the political, economic, and cultural center of Northeastern China before the Qing Dynasty. There are many historical and cultural relics remaining in Liaoyang. Among them, Liaoyang Han-Wei tomb murals are the most famous. It’s a treasure of ancient Chinese art, with a maximum timeframe dating back approximately 1,800 years, 300 years earlier than the Dunhuang murals. Each and every mural is deserving of the title “national treasure”.

Liaoyang Han-Wei tomb murals are vivid and diverse, which can be seen as “Chinese-style serial comics” spanning across millennia, showing the various aspects of the lives of the ancient people of Northeastern China. At the sixth stop of Treasure Hunt Across Liaoning, we followed a Vietnamese student Thuong into the Liaoyang Han-Wei Mural Museum to explore the “splendors of life” in the millennial murals.

Thuong, who just recently arrived in Liaoning, has a great fascination with Chinese culinary culture. Stepping into the museum, she was attracted by the mural of “Food and Wine Jars”. It presents the kitchen of a wealthy family. On a crossbar hangs food such as pig heads, rabbits, and a pheasant. There are four large jars underneath. “The ancient Chinese cared so much about food. That’s a lot of food for one meal!” Thuong looked surprised.

Another mural called “Banquet Scene” not far away also captured Thuong’s attention. In this mural, a couple dressed in gorgeous clothes are sitting opposite for a feast. Several servants nearby shake fans to keep cool and pass food. “The portrayal of the characters is incredibly lifelike, both vivid and brimming with vitality. The level of artistry is truly exceptional.” Thuong admired.

“The ancient Chinese not only cared about the diet but also had a lot of entertainment.” In the mural of “Feng Huang Lou Ge Bai Xi Tu” (Performances at Phoenix Pavilion), Thuong noticed 19 people appearing in the painting. Performers sing and dance, each showing their skills, which reproduces the scenes of the culture and entertainment of nobles at that time. It is said that “Bai Xi” is a general term for various acrobatics and other artistic performances in the Han Dynasty. The characters in this mural are vivid and realistic, making it a classic mural of its kind.

Liaoyang Han-Wei tomb murals also portray the scenes of nobles traveling. Thuong found out that in the mural of “Chariots and Horses in Motion”, a noble is in the center in full costume. He is the only person riding a chariot pulled by three horses, surrounded by many servants, and guards following on horses of different colors. “Look at this mural. The horses are all galloping forward. It’s really spectacular!” Thuong said excitedly.

Since the 1930s and 1940s, mural tombs of the Han and Wei Dynasties have been discovered around Liaoyang. Up to now, there are over 30 Han-Wei mural tombs found. The murals mainly depict the scenes of banquets, granaries, kitchens, pavilions, cavalrymen, chariots and horses, and various acrobatic performances, showcasing a lively history of the folk customs and cultural traditions during the Han and Wei Dynasties in the Liaoyang region. In addition, these murals also hold a significant position in the history of Chinese art due to their simple form and rustic painting techniques.

“I can’t imagine that so many details of ‘clothing, food, housing, transportation and entertainment’ of ancient Chinese people are hidden in these Chinese-style serial comics!” Thuong said excitedly, “This trip to Liaoyang has truly broadened my horizons. There must be even more secrets hidden in the murals of the millennial tombs, waiting for us to explore!”