Map Introduction

Establishment and Initial Structure of the Liao Supreme Capital Circuit (916–938 AD)

In the 3rd year of the Shence era (916 AD), Liao Taizu, Yelü Abaoji, established the Imperial Capital at Linhuang Prefecture (modern Bairin Left Banner, Inner Mongolia). Its layout, centered around the "Dragon Brow Palace," blended Khitan nomadic traditions with Tang-style capital city planning. As the birthplace of the Liao Dynasty, the Supreme Capital Circuit's territory bordered the Eastern Capital Circuit to the east, the Western Capital Circuit to the west, the Southern Capital Circuit to the south, and reached the Shiwei tribes to the north. Initially centered on the eight core Khitan tribes, it implemented the Northern and Southern Administration systems, adhering to the principle of "governing according to local customs."

Establishment of the Five Capitals System and Administrative Structure (938–983 AD)

In the 1st year of the Huitong era (938 AD) under Emperor Taizong, the Imperial Capital was renamed the Supreme Capital, Linhuang Prefecture, formally establishing the Five Capitals system. The Supreme Capital Circuit governed Linhuang Prefecture and Jiedu (Military Governor) prefectures such as Zu, Huai, and Qing, forming a four-tiered administrative system of "Superior Prefecture – Jiedu Prefecture – Surveillance Prefecture – Prefectural Prefecture." Within the circuit, Ordos States (Prince's Private Cities) and Border Defense Cities (such as Wu Prefecture and Jiangsheng Prefecture) were established, serving dual functions of military defense and tribal management.

Economic and Cultural Development (983–1122 AD)

During the reign of Emperor Shengzong (983–1031 AD), the Supreme Capital Circuit became the political center of the Liao Dynasty. Architectural complexes like the Kaihuang Hall and the Five Phoenix Halls were completed, and the Tianxiong Temple became a Buddhist sanctuary. Commerce within the circuit evolved from a system where "cloth was used for exchange instead of coins" to include regulated border markets, facilitating trade in tea, horses, and northern pearls with the Northern Song and the Uighurs. Archaeological findings reveal an urban layout with a "dual structure" of an Imperial City and a Han-inhabited City, the southern part featuring a residential quarter for Uighur merchants.

Collapse in the Late Liao and Reorganization under the Jin (Post-1123 AD)

After the rise of the Jurchens in the 5th year of the Tianqing era (1115 AD), the military significance of the Supreme Capital Circuit became prominent. In the 2nd year of the Baoda era (1122 AD), Jin forces captured Linhuang Prefecture, leading to the dissolution of the Liao Supreme Capital Circuit. The Jin Dynasty reorganized it into the Supreme Capital Route while preserving some Liao architectural remnants. The evolution of the Supreme Capital Circuit over more than 150 years exemplifies the governance wisdom of a nomadic regime in administering the steppe-agricultural transition zone.