Abstract:
Based on archaeological investigations, the foundation characteristics of the Liao Dynasty architectural remains in Yiwulyu Mountain are categorized into two types: natural rock foundations and artificial earth foundations. Through morphological analysis employing architectural archaeology methods, the paper identifies these sites as high-status garden-palace complexes from the Liao Dynasty, integrating functions of leisure and residence. It further substantiates the existence of a comprehensive imperial garden constructed by the Liao regime within the mountain. The findings preliminarily reveal the enigmatic architectural forms of these mountain gardens, which embodied a design philosophy aspiring to celestial palaces and earthly Buddhist realms. This site is interpreted as a royal garden exemplar commissioned by the Khitan people, representing a culturally significant heritage of northern ethnic minorities as a rare surviving imperial landscape harmonizing natural topography with artificial grandeur.