Exhibition "Five Capital Cities of Liao" opens at the Capital Museum in Beijing from September 6, 2018 - December 9, 2018.

Here is the introduction:

Prelude

"In the north, where the vast desert stretches away to meet the azure sky, live the Khitan people, owning countless carriages and robust horses. Spring brings them boundless green interspersed with bright red peonies."

The nomadic Khitan people in the northern realms of ancient China were gifted in riding and dancing. Their horses galloped freely in the wild; music and dance filled the yurts in which they lived. They were keen on hunting and camping according to seasons. In Spring, they hunted along the rivers; in Autumn, they hunted in the mountains. Nature blessed them with abundant resources.

In addition to the impressive landscape and their unique native customs, the Khitan people left a remarkable mark on Chinese history. They ruled north China for over 300 years. The story began in 907, when Yelü Abaoji, posthumously knows as Emperor Taizu of Liao, founded the Liao Dynasty. In 1125, Yelü Yanxi, known as Emperor Tianzuo of Liao, was taken prisoner by the Jurchen people of the Jin Dynasty. After that, Yelü Dashi led the remnants of the Khitan people to establish the Western Liao Dynasty. In 1218, the Mongol Empire put an end to its rule. In its heyday, Liao dominated the Later Jin Dynasty, controlled the Sixteen Prefectures and successively defeated the armies of the Song Dynasty. All the surrounding countries were subservient to Liao. The five capitals that were established over history were a witness to its glory in succession.

From the parallel five capitals, the Khitan people nurtured their powerful rule over northern China and then cast covetous eyes on the Central Plains. The lofty palaces and bustling streets in the five capitals reflected the competitive landscape during a turbulent era, the rise and fall of empires, the integration of peoples and the fusion of customs and beliefs. The five capitals were stages on which many legendary stories were unveiled.

Part I. Five Capital Cities

The Liao dynasty divided its realm into five circuits, each with a capital city: the Shangjing (Supreme Capital) of Linhuang, the Zhongjing (Central Capital) of Dading, the Dongjing (Eastern Capital) of Liaoyang, the Nanjing (Southern Capital) of Xijin and the Xijing (Western Capital) of Datong. The History of Liao points out that "Shangjing was the Supreme Capital ruled by the imperial court, with officers of all ranks. The officers of the other four capitals varied depending on the region and time period. Generally, frontier defense was the focus of the officers in Xijing, while officers in Nanjing and Zhongjing were mainly in charge of finances and taxes." The record may not be precise but it reflects the diverse focuses and functions of the five capitals. 

Part II. Nabo through the Four Seasons

The dynasty ruled by the Khitan people, a nomadic culture focused on hunting culture, had the custom of Nabo throughout the four seasons. The emperors of Liao did not live in any of the five capitals but camped with the imperial court in different regions of his realm throughout the year. In addition to fishing, goose shooting, hunting, and keeping cool in summer, Nabo activities included praying to the heaven and rain, worshiping the mountains and ancestors, discussing state affairs, handling government affairs, receiving foreign envoys and tributes from tributary states and clans. Therefore, the ambulant political center of Liao moved with the camp of emperors. 

Part III. Parallel Northern and Southern Administrations

Since the reign of Emperor Taizu of Liao, Yelü Abaoji, the Khitan people had encroached upon the Central Plain. Emperor Taizong of Liao, Yelü Deguang, gained the Sixteen Prefectures by supporting Shi Jingtang in overthrowing Later Tang and founding Later Jin during the internal political strife of Later Tang. Learning from the Tang dynasty, Liao emperors divided the newly obtained lands and peoples into two regions and employed parallel northern and southern administrations to govern the multi-ethnic state. The flexible governance facilitated the harmony of the peoples in the regions as well as national amalgamation.

Part IV. Shared Political Systems

Although Liao employed innovative systems and governance, its fundamental political system was similar with that of the Northern Song dynasty at that time. Both states were reigned by emperors; therefore, the two states were also known as the northern and southern state. The consistency and similarity in fundamental political systems boosted shared political ideals, social values, moral fashion, among others between the two empires. Tolerant and open-minded, Liao emperors ruled in ways that greatly encouraged the integration of nations. 

Part V. Towering Temples and Stupas

As the followers of Buddhism, Liao emperors contributed to the prosperity of Buddhism in northern China. Generous royal gifts and believers' offerings were attributed to the flourishing temple economy. Majestic Buddhist temples were scattered all over the capitals, circuits and counties of the empire. By preaching Buddhism in a plain way, celebrating Buddha's Birthday, introducing Buddhist funerals, establishing a Buddhist community called Qianrenyi (thousands of Buddhists), Buddhism penetrated the society and bridged the nations as a vital cultural tie. 

Epilogue

"The prosperous five capitals outshone every other city; numerous majestic towers were erected in these magnificent cities." Thanks to relevant archaeological discoveries and documentary records, we have the chance to appreciate the grand buildings and exquisite antique treasures of Liao. Fine antiques that originated from the Liao Dynasty now standing tranquil, are a living outline of the Khitan people's history: the rise and fall of Liao, the historical figures, the shapes and ornaments of cultural relics and the existing historical ruins. The exhibition is dedicated to presenting a traceable, tasteful and referable history and designed to capture the attention and evoke appreciation, rumination and introspection of visitors. 

The exhibition focusing on the five capitals of Liao presents an outline of the Khitan people and the Liao Dynasty. It offers incontestable evidence of the development and features of the diverse and integrated Chinese people. China contains a diverse range of ethnic groups that mingled with each other and became interdependent, united as one along the long road of history.