As the capital of the Three Yan Regimes, Chaoyang in Liaoning has a deep connection with Tianlong Babu, a legendary martial arts novel by Jin Yong. In the novel, there is a complex character named Murong Fu. He and Qiao Feng are known as “South Murong and North Qiao Feng” in the martial world. Murong Fu wants to restore the “Great Yan”. As has been verified, the “Great Yan” rose in today’s Chaoyang, Liaoning. This area was once a stronghold of the Murong family’s rule and remains an integral part of the Three Yan culture.

The Three Yan culture is one of the major regional cultures in Liaoning. With the cultural tradition of Murong Xianbei as its main part, it left a profound mark on the history of Northern China. The term “Three Yan” refers to the Former Yan, Later Yan, and Northern Yan, three regional regimes active in western Liaoning during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and the Sixteen Kingdoms period. The Murong and Feng clans both rose in Beipiao, Chaoyang. There havebeen a large number of ruins and relics of the Three Yan culture. On the seventh stop of Treasure Hunt Across Liaoning, we followed E.Enkhzul, an international student from Mongolia, into Beipiao Museum to explore the Three Yan culture from 1,600 years ago.

E.Enkhzul, a Mongolian girl, has been galloping on horseback across the vast grasslands since her childhood, and she is very interested in the traditional Chinese harness culture. As soon as she walked into Beipiao Museum, she was attracted by a pair of Gilded Wooden Stirrups. The inner side of the stirrups is shaped by bending mulberry wooden strips. The surface is covered by gilt copper sheets, with tiny gilt bronze nails fixed into the wooden core. “I never imagined that the ancient Chinese stirrup craftsmanship is so exquisite.” E.Enkhzul exclaimed in admiration.

With the introduction by the tour guide, E.Enkhzul learned that the pair of stirrups is currently the earliest and most complete double stirrups with absolute dating. Stirrups gave cavalrymen a solid support point for both feet, making it easier to maintain body balance and significantly improving combat efficiency. One of the important reasons for the rise of the Murong clan is their possession of a formidable military strength. “It seems that the cavalry equipped with double stirrups must play a significant role in warfare during that time.” E.Enkhzul talked to herself.

Later, this kind of stirrups spread along the Grassland Silk Road from Central Asia westwards to Europe. It has a profound impact on the world’s military history. The Encyclopedia Britannica states, “It is surprising that the foundation of the age of knights is due to the invention of stirrups.” E.Enkhzul looked astonished, exclaiming, “The simple yet ancient ‘cutting-edge technology’ has altered the course of world history.”

Not far away, a tree-shaped gold shimmering headdress glittered and shone brightly under the spotlight, instantly capturing E.Enkhzul’s attention. “Wow, it’s so beautiful!” E.Enkhzul walked fast in excitement towards it. The gold shimmering headdress is a unique crown of the Murong Xianbei, which symbolized the dignity of status. Gold leaves cling to the branches of the gold tree. When people walk around wearing it, the leaves dance and sway with the motion. E.Enkhzul) also found a gold shimmering crown on display near it, which consists of two parts: a cage-shaped crown and a tree-shaped top, with peach-shaped leaves hanging from the branches. E.Enkhzul said excitedly as she took photos to share on her WeChat Moments, “I captured the only well-preserved shimmering crown excavated in the Three Yan tombs!”

In Beipiao Museum, E.Enkhzul also had the opportunity to admire many other unique cultural relics of the Three Yan Regimes, such as Glazed Pottery Sheep Zun, Bronze Tiger, and Gold Seal of the Duke of Fanyang. Each artifact has its own fascinating story. On this treasure-hunting trip, E.Enkhzul kept exploring until the museum closed, still feeling a sense of lingering excitement. “The Three Yan culture is full of mystery and charm. Don’t miss out on Beipiao Museum. You’ll love it!”