The new version of "A Dream of Red Mansions" has started broadcasting amidst a flurry of criticism. Besides the bizarre hairstyles with copper coins, the eerie Kunqu Opera, and the omnipresent male voice-over that have drawn heavy criticism from audiences, the dim and oppressive lighting in the scenes has also been heavily criticized. Although the props and settings in the TV series are extremely luxurious and exquisitely realistic, they are overshadowed by this gloomy tone, which conceals their grandeur and elegance. This makes it difficult for viewers to truly experience the grandeur and ingenious beauty depicted in the book.
So, how can one personally experience the "dream" realm created by Cao Xueqin? Go to the Shanghai Grand View Garden. Located by the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu, the Grand View Garden is built according to the descriptions in "A Dream of Red Mansions". The pavilions and towers are arranged gracefully, the artificial hills and winding paths create an atmosphere that perfectly reproduces the aesthetic ambiance described in the original work. Scenarios such as the Filial Visit Villa where Yuan Chun changed her clothes, the shadowy Bamboo Xiao Xiang Pavilion, the fragrant all-year-round怡Red House, the lush Heng Wu Yard, and the rustic Rice Fragrance Village are all there. The TV series "Daiyu Biography" was also filmed here.
This Grand View Garden, known as the "reserve of all earthly and heavenly scenery," sees its entire garden architecture narrating the stories of the Red Mansion. Each scenic spot contains an exciting chapter, such as the Dropping Emerald Pavilion —— In Chapter 27, "Empress Yang Playing with Butterflies at Dropping Emerald Pavilion," Baochai chases butterflies with a fan "... following all the way to the Dropping Emerald Pavilion on the pool, drenched in sweat, breathing delicately. Baochai lost interest in chasing and was about to return when she heard whispers inside the Dropping Emerald Pavilion. This pavilion is surrounded by verandas and bridges built over water, with intricate carvings... Before she could finish thinking, there was a 'creak', and Baochai deliberately made loud footsteps, laughing and calling out: 'Pinyin, let me see where you hide!' While saying this, she deliberately moved forward."
The Dropping Emerald Pavilion in the Grand View Garden is a bit more complex than the usual pavilions we see; it is double-layered, with movable doors and windows. Therefore, there was the scene where the maid Xiaohong saw Baochai outside the pavilion after opening the door, and Baochai cleverly shifted the blame of eavesdropping onto Daiyu. These scenic spots not only contain "stories," but also "people." In the怡Red House where Baoyu lived, there are vivid wax figures of characters from the Red Mansion, such as Baiyi Daiyu, Hongqun Xi Ren, and Qingwen. They are here every day, elegantly sitting or standing by to serve, making the Red Mansion atmosphere even thicker.
Shanghai Grand View Garden is hosting an event titled "Summer Tour Gathering of Ten Cities and Ten Thousand People with the Theme of 'Garden' Really Good." After touring the Grand View Garden, visitors can enjoy special discount tickets for the live performance of "Four Seasons Zhouzhuang," offering both an appreciation of the Red Mansion and a taste of the water town.