One of the world's great literary works - compliments of China

While in Guangzhou on a trip to visit a potential supplier, I stayed at the Garden Hotel in Guangzhou. This is about 800 miles south of Shanghai. If I were to describe the weather there, it would be about like Miami. Upon arrival, I was struck by the gold cladded mural behind the reception desk both in size and in the intricate detail of the work. I was also very curious on what it meant. So I asked the receptionist at the hotel. She did not speak much English so I pointed to the huge mural and gestered for her to write what it was about. This is what she wrote on a piece of paper:

红楼梦


With the help of my friends here in China, I have learned that this is a very famous story in China. It is the story of hóng lóu mèng or "A Dream of Red Mansions" This story, is said to be one of the great literary works of the world and was written over 250 years ago and employs very detailed calligraphy as well as plot and story. The literary work is over 1900 pages long and portrays in great detail the life and history of Pao-Yu a young aristocrat, his relatives and maids and their lives on the estate during those times. There is much poetry in this book, as the charecters spend much time in the garden of the estate compsoing poetry. These young people actually form a poetry club. This book, according to the literary critics is rich in the history and Chinese culture. Every Chinese person that I have talked to about this has consistently said that: "This is a very famous Chinese story".

There are people searching to see if they can find an English version of this book. If one is found, I will let you all know. The read could be very interesting and very enlightening.