The new version of "Dream of the Red Chamber" premiered amidst a flurry of criticism. Apart from the bizarre coin hairstyles, eerie Kunqu Opera, and omnipresent male voice-over narration that drew heavy criticism from audiences, the dim and oppressive lighting in the scenes was also heavily criticized. Although the props and settings in the TV drama were extremely splendid and exquisitely realistic, they were overshadowed by this gloomy hue, concealing their grandeur and aristocratic charm, preventing viewers from truly experiencing the magnificence and ingenious beauty depicted in the book.
So, how can one personally experience the "dream" realm created by Cao Xueqin? Visit the Shanghai Grand View Garden. Located by the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu, the Grand View Garden was built according to the descriptions in "Dream of the Red Chamber." The pavilions and towers are arranged in an orderly manner, with winding paths through artificial mountains and caves, perfectly recreating the aesthetic ambiance of the original work. Scenes such as the Provincial Villa where Yuan Chun changed clothes, the Xiaoxiang Pavilion with its bamboo shadows, the怡Red Courtyard filled with seasonal floral fragrances, the lush Hengwu Garden, and the rustic Rice Fragrance Village are all included here. The TV series "Story of Daiyu" was filmed on location here.
This Grand View Garden, referred to as the "repository of earthly and heavenly wonders," has its entire garden architecture narrating the stories of the Red Mansion Chronicles. Each scenic spot contains a fascinating chapter, for example, the Dicui Pavilion - In Chapter 27 "Empress Yang Playing with Butterflies at the Dicui Pavilion," Baochai chases butterflies with her fan, "...all the way to the Dicui Pavilion by the pool, drenched in sweat, breathing delicately. Baochai lost interest in chasing anymore and just as she wanted to return, she heard voices inside the Dicui Pavilion. This pavilion is surrounded on all sides by galleries and bridges, constructed over the water, with carved decorations... Before she could finish thinking, there was a 'creak,' and Baochai deliberately made heavy footsteps, laughing and calling out: 'Pinyin, let me see where you hide!' As she spoke, she intentionally moved forward."
The Dicui Pavilion in the Grand View Garden is slightly more complex than ordinary pavilions we usually see; it's double-layered with movable doors and windows, which is why when the maid Hong came out and saw Baochai outside the pavilion, Baochai cleverly shifted the blame of eavesdropping onto Daiyu. These scenic spots not only contain "stories" but also "people." In the怡Red Courtyard where Baoyu lived, there are lifelike wax figures of characters from the Red Mansion Chronicles, such as the white-clad Daiyu, the red-dressed Xi Ren and Qingwen, who remain here every day, sitting elegantly or standing nearby serving, enhancing the atmosphere of the Red Mansion Chronicles.
Shanghai Grand View Garden is hosting an event titled "Garden Tour Summer Gathering of Ten Cities with Ten Thousand People," with special discount tickets available for visitors to enjoy the live performances of "Four Seasons Zhouzhuang" after touring the Grand View Garden, offering both the appreciation of the Red Mansion Chronicles and the charm of the water towns.