Dongshantou Architectural Site

The architectural ruins lie east of Gelopo Village, Dongshantou Village, Yueliangpao Town, Da’an City. The site is backed by an east-west low hill to its north. The Nenjiang River winds from the northeast toward the south, merely 1.5 kilometres away. Endless plains stretch to the south and west, offering an unobstructed view. The site is 6 kilometres north of Yueliangpao Lake.

The entire building foundation rises roughly 5 metres above the ground. It is a rectangular platform measuring 115 metres from north to south and 80 metres from east to west, oriented 60 degrees east of due south. Right in the centre of the western side stands a square earthen terrace 3 metres higher than the main foundation, with a side length of 15 metres. Rammed earth layers can be seen on the northwest side of the terrace, marking the original building surface. This is the highest point above sea level in the whole city.

Green bricks, cylindrical tiles, flat tiles, animal-face tile ends and fragments of pottery and porcelain are scattered all over the foundation. These relics are identical to the tiles unearthed from the Chaguao Kiln Site 2 kilometres southwest. This proves it was a Liao Dynasty building.

Yueliangpao Lake was a key location where Liao emperors held the Spring Nabo ceremonies. Academic opinions are divided: some scholars regard it as an imperial temporary palace, while others argue it was a high platform used for observation and garrison defence.