The Liao Dynasty (916–1125) was a powerful empire founded by the legendary leader Yelü Abaoji of the nomadic Khitan people. Emerging from the vast grass plains of Northeast Asia, the Khitan created a unique empire that successfully blended nomadic horse-riding traditions with the farming culture of China.
At its height, the Liao Empire ruled over a massive territory including modern Mongolia, Manchuria, and the strategic Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures of Northern China. A key reason for their success was the Dual Administration System, which allowed the Northern Administration to govern nomads with tribal laws, while the Southern Administration ruled farming populations using traditional Chinese laws.
This wise system respected the different lifestyles of its diverse subjects. The Liao Dynasty is also famous for its deeply rooted Buddhist faith.
They built many spectacular temples, grand pagodas, and beautiful Buddhist statues. The empire eventually fell to the rising Jin Dynasty, but their name 'Khitan' became so famous across Eurasia that it became the root of the word 'Cathay,' a term used in many Western languages for centuries to refer to China.
A famous legend surrounds the birth of the founder, Yelü Abaoji: it is said that when he was born, the entire room was filled with a mysterious, sweet fragrance and brilliant light, and he could walk immediately as a newborn. Another myth tells of Abaoji shooting down a massive flying divine dragon with a single arrow, symbolizing his divine right to rule the vast steppes.