Highlights
The must-see is Happy Red Court, Jia Baoyu's residence. The courtyard is planted with crabapple and banana trees, echoing the inscription 'Red Fragrance, Green Jade.' Inside the main room, you'll see antique furniture and decorations, especially the plaque reading 'Crimson Rue Studio,' which brings to mind the stories of Baoyu, Qingwen, and Xiren. Standing by the window, you can imagine Baoyu laughing and joking here—it's very immersive. Another key spot is Xiaoxiang Lodge, Lin Daiyu's home. It's surrounded by dense green bamboo, with a cool, serene atmosphere the moment you enter. The interior is simple and elegant, with a writing desk set with brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, as if Daiyu just stepped away from writing poetry. The best part is the plaque reading 'A Phoenix Comes to Pay Homage' and the dappled bamboo shadows in the courtyard—perfect for sitting quietly and feeling Daiyu's aloofness and talent. Also, don't miss the main hall of the Visiting Relatives Villa—Grand View Tower. This is the most magnificent building in the garden, resplendent and grand. In front stands a white marble archway inscribed with the four characters 'Visiting Relatives Villa.' Standing here, you can feel the imperial grandeur of Imperial Consort Yuan's visit, and it's also the best spot for a panoramic photo.
Stories
About Shanghai Grand View Garden, there's an interesting anecdote: when the 1984 TV series Dream of the Red Chamber was being filmed, the crew made a special trip here because the garden layout was closest to the original novel. It's said that Chen Xiaoxu, who played Lin Daiyu, actually shed tears while filming in the bamboo grove of Xiaoxiang Lodge because she was so immersed in the role. Another time, a visitor saw the crabapple tree in Happy Red Court and was reminded of the scene of "Daiyu's Flower Burial", and immediately composed a poem on the spot, drawing a crowd. There's also a local saying: if you tie a red string on the bamboo in Xiaoxiang Lodge and make a wish for love, you'll meet your soulmate like Daiyu did. Although this isn't an official tradition, many young visitors do it, adding a touch of romance to the garden.
History
Shanghai Grand View Garden was first built in 1984, to boost tourism and commemorate the 220th anniversary of Cao Xueqin's death. At that time, the Shanghai municipal government decided to choose a site on the shore of Dianshan Lake in Qingpu, following the descriptions in Dream of the Red Chamber and the style of Qing dynasty gardens. It took four years to build and officially opened to the public in 1988. After its completion, it quickly became an important cultural and tourist attraction in Shanghai and served as a filming location for many TV dramas and movies. In 2000, the garden underwent a large-scale renovation, adding modern facilities while preserving the original architectural style. In 2014, it was rated as a National 4A tourist attraction. Today, the garden is not only a pilgrimage site for fans of the novel, but also a great place for locals to relax. Every spring, it hosts the Red Chamber Culture Festival, continuing this cultural heritage.
Architecture
The architectural layout of Grand View Garden strictly follows the descriptions in Dream of the Red Chamber, using a 'garden within a garden' approach to scatter the main residences of the Jia family across the landscape. The overall design is centered on a central axis, with the main gate, Grand View Tower, and Visiting Relatives Villa unfolding in sequence. On both sides are independent courtyards like Happy Red Court, Xiaoxiang Lodge, Hengwu Court, and Rice Fragrance Village, each with its own distinct style. Happy Red Court is opulent, with carved beams and painted rafters, reflecting Baoyu's wealthy and carefree nature. Xiaoxiang Lodge is defined by bamboo—the architecture is simple and elegant, with bamboo joint patterns carved into the doors and windows. Hengwu Court features piled rocks and fragrant herbs, giving it a cool and secluded feel. The garden's water system connects everything, with winding bridges and corridors linking each area, creating that sense of a 'winding path to seclusion.' The craftsmen used traditional mortise-and-tenon joints and Suzhou-style painted decorations, giving the buildings both the grandeur of an imperial garden and the liveliness of a Jiangnan garden.
Nature
The natural landscape is the soul of the Grand View Garden. The garden has a large body of water, drawn from Dianshan Lake. The lake is clear, with weeping willows along the banks. Lotus flowers bloom in summer, reflecting the pavilions and towers, creating a breathtaking view. In spring, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, and crabapple flowers compete to bloom, especially the crabapple in Happy Red Court, with pink and white petals and a fragrant aroma. In autumn, the ginkgo and red maple trees are ablaze with color, and the rice fields near Rice Fragrance Village turn golden, full of pastoral poetry. The garden also keeps peacocks and koi fish, adding vitality to the static landscape. Walking along the winding paths to secluded spots, you can hear birdsong and smell flowers, making you feel relaxed and joyful. The garden is beautiful in all seasons, but spring and autumn are the most pleasant, perfect for a leisurely stroll to experience the blend of nature and culture.
Travel Tips
I recommend spending 2 to 3 hours here. If you want to dive deep into the culture of the Red Chamber, allow half a day. The best times are spring and autumn, in the morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and there are fewer visitors. For transportation, take Metro Line 17 to the Oriental Land station, then transfer to the Qingshang bus or take a taxi for about 10 minutes. If you drive, the parking lot is large, but it can get crowded on holidays, so arrive early. You can book tickets in advance on the official WeChat account to skip the queue. Once inside, I suggest starting from the main gate and following the central axis. First see Grand View Tower, then explore Happy Red Court and Xiaoxiang Lodge on the east and west sides, and finally circle around to Rice Fragrance Village and Hengwu Court in the back hills. To avoid the crowds, enter before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. There are many stone paths, so wear comfortable flat shoes. For photos, the bamboo grove at Xiaoxiang Lodge, the crabapple at Happy Red Court, and the stone archway in front of Grand View Tower are all great backdrops. Early morning when it's quiet is the easiest time to get great shots. There are teahouses and small shops inside for a rest and water, but food options are limited, so bring some snacks.
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