Friday, August 9, 2013

A Dream of Red Mansions - Daguan Yuan

Lake and pavilion at Daguanyuan - A Dream of Red Mansions


A couple of weeks of weeks ago we visited Daguan Yuan or Grand View Garden. This is a new park opened in 1984. It is modeled on a Garden described in one of the 4 classic Chinese novels, 红楼梦 (Hóng Lóu Mèng) which translates as Dream of the Red Chamber or A Dream of Red Mansions.
An entrance door at Daguanyuan - A Dream of Red Mansions


Dream of the Red Chamber was written in the mid 1800s. As Wikipedia says, "It is considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature and is generally acknowledged to be the pinnacle of Chinese fiction."
A bridge at Daguanyuan - A Dream of Red Mansions


The park is basically a full scale model of the garden described in chapters 16 and 17 of the model.
Bridge at Daguanyuan - A Dream of Red Mansions


The first major television series based on the novel was filmed in the park. Consequently, it is very well known here.

This is a lotus flower.



Here is what the seed pod looks like after the flower is spent.



The park was not very busy. This boy was playing with the water level.



This guy, who I assume works there, seems to be taking a smoke break and is enjoying a little quiet time.



This is pretty much standard issue equipment for cleaners in Beijing.
Gesse onthe lake at Daguanyuan - A Dream of Red Mansions


These geese were cruising around the lake.




These are ginkgo fruit. According to Wikipedia, they technically are not fruits. You can learn more than you need to know here.  Ginkgo Biloba

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