红楼梦
千古奇书
Dream of the Red Chamber (Honglou Meng), also known as The Story of the Stone (Shitou Ji), was written by Cao Xueqin in the mid-18th century during the Qing dynasty. The first 80 chapters are by Cao; the remaining 40 are generally attributed to Gao E.
Centered on the tragic love triangle between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu, and Xue Baochai, set against the decline of the aristocratic Jia family, the novel is unparalleled in its psychological depth, narrative sophistication, and cultural breadth.
It is widely regarded as the single greatest work of Chinese fiction — a novel that encompasses poetry, philosophy, religion, medicine, cuisine, architecture, and every facet of traditional Chinese life.
"When first the world from chaos rose,
Tell me, how did love begin?
The wind and moonlight first did love disclose."
— Opening song, Chapter 5 (trans. David Hawkes)
主要人物
贾宝玉
Born with a jade in his mouth, Baoyu is sensitive, unconventional, and rejects the corrupt world of officialdom in favor of genuine emotion and beauty.
林黛玉
A brilliant poet of fragile beauty, Daiyu is Baoyu's spiritual companion. She is the incarnation of the Crimson Pearl Flower, repaying her debt of tears.
薛宝钗
Poised and worldly-wise, Baochai embodies Confucian virtue and practical wisdom. Her golden locket predestines her bond with Baoyu.
王熙凤
Cunning, charismatic, and ruthless, Xifeng manages the Jia household with an iron hand — one of fiction's most unforgettable female characters.
孙温绘全本红楼梦 (1818–1891)
Qing dynasty artist Sun Wen spent 36 years producing 230 paintings illustrating the complete novel — the most comprehensive visual interpretation ever created. Now housed in the Lushun Museum.