Dream of the Red Chamber: Children's Edition

Dream of the Red Chamber is the greatest and most famous classical Chinese novel. It was written by Cao Xueqin, a literary master of the Qing dynasty, who poured his life's work into it.

Set in the distinguished aristocratic society of the Qing dynasty more than two hundred years ago, the novel vividly portrays the rise and fall of the four great clans: the Jia, Shi, Wang, and Xue families.

The central story follows Jia Baoyu, a kind-hearted, innocent young man who longs for sincerity, and Lin Daiyu, a clever and perceptive young woman of exceptional talent.

Alongside many other distinctive and gifted young women, they live in the picturesque Grand View Garden, writing poetry, painting, singing, and laughing through a pure and beautiful time of youth.

Yet as the four great clans gradually decline from prosperity to ruin, the deep and innocent love between Baoyu and Daiyu ultimately becomes a tragedy that leaves readers sighing with sorrow.

The novel not only offers a profound portrayal of the sweeping social changes and human relationships of its era, but also meticulously records ancient architecture and gardens, clothing and cuisine, festivals and customs, and the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

It is like a treasure trove of ancient culture that contains everything, a truly great work that is an “encyclopedia” in novel form.