Relive the Dream of the Red Chamber at Cao Xueqin's Former Residence

Cao Xueqin's Former Residence and Museum Cao Xueqin's *Dream of the Red Chamber* is one of the four great classic novels of Chinese literature. In traditional Chinese culture, it serves as an encyclopedia of feudal society, giving rise to the specialized field of "Redology." After the 2025 Spring Festival, the Cao Xueqin Former Residence and Museum, located northeast of the Ciqikou intersection in Beijing, reopened its doors, welcoming visitors to relive the *Dream of the Red Chamber*. Of the five exhibition halls open to the public, Halls 3 to 5 narrate the history of the Cao family, from their ancestral home in the south to Beijing, their relationship with the imperial court, and their rise and fall. They also explain the origins of the former residence and the research process behind the "Seventeen and a Half Rooms" at Suanshikou. Halls 1 and 2 host the special exhibition "Cao Family's Four Seasons Menu." Here, visitors can see the menus, ingredients, and tools used by the Cao family, offering a detailed introduction to China's long-standing culinary traditions. It also evokes memories of scenes from the novel and its television adaptations. Several highlights stand out in the museum: First, the model of Suanshikou Street and its sound simulation in Hall 3. The model reveals the street's bustling commercial activity in its heyday. The Cao family's "Seventeen and a Half Rooms" stand prominently on the street. At the interactive screen, visitors can hear the clamor of the marketplace, the ethereal melodies drifting through the moonlit night, the night watchman's calls, and the barking of dogs. The everyday life of the past comes alive like a movie for modern visitors. Second, in Hall 1, visitors can don headphones and watch videos to learn more about the exhibits. The winding display cases offer a refreshing change from traditional displays. Third, upon entering Hall 2, visitors are greeted by overlapping reflections from several mirrors, creating a disorienting but intriguing experience. This recreates a scene from the *Dream of the Red Chamber*. In Chapter 63, the Grand View Garden is described as a "labyrinth of enchantment" for Jia Baoyu's birthday celebration, with the Happy Red Court surrounded by layered floral screens and symbolic imagery. A large glass mirror invites today's visitors to step into the mirror and into the dreams of the past. *Dream of the Red Chamber* has influenced generations. It allows Beijing residents, while visiting Cao Xueqin's former residence, to gain a deeper understanding of life in the capital during that era and the unique historical context in which Cao Xueqin created his masterpiece. Tips: Cao Xueqin's Former Residence and Museum is located at 123 Guangqumennei Street, Dongcheng District. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm Transportation: Take Subway Line 5 or Line 7 to Ciqikou Station, Exit Northeast. Take Bus No. 57 or 23 to Langanshi Station. Take Bus No. 43 to Ciqikou South.