Step into the enchanting world of Shanghai Grand View Garden. This sprawling landscape a 100-hectare masterpiece replicates the gardens from the classic novel Dream of the Red Chamber. Imagine the Jia family welcoming the imperial concubine Jia Yuanchun. The garden’s asymmetrical design is truly unique. Main buildings line a north-south axis. Secondary structures are evenly spaced east and west. Unlike a Beijing garden this Shanghai gem cleverly uses water creating expansive artificial lakes.
The entrance is impressive. A large square precedes an 8-meter-high arch. Beyond this stands an 18-meter-wide screen wall. Delicate carvings depict Nuwa Mends the Sky and the Twelve Beauties of Jinling. These details perfectly capture the novel’s spirit.
Entering the garden’s heart you encounter towering rockeries. They create a 20-meter-long secluded passage. This leads to a tranquil green pond. Beyond the pond lies the Ti Ren Mu De Palace. Here concubine Jia Yuanchun rested and changed clothes. The palace’s plaque reads appreciating the emperor’s kindness. This 682 square meter palace has three halls. Each boasts exquisite mahogany furniture and fine porcelain. A lotus pool thrives behind it. In summer countless lotuses bloom creating a breathtaking spectacle.
North of the lotus pool stands Grand View Pavilion the garden’s most significant structure. Its palace-style architecture is magnificent. It covers 2123 square meters. The Jia family gathered here to greet Jia Yuanchun. An 8-meter-high white marble arch inscribed Mothering Villa marks the southern entrance. Three paths lead from the arch to the main palace.
This two-story palace is 15 meters tall. From its second floor you enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai Grand View Garden. The first floor houses the Gratitude Hall. Rare antique furniture adorns this hall. A large gilded folding screen centers the hall. A luxurious throne sits before it. The opulence here showcases the Jia family’s prominent status.
Southwest lies Happy Red Court Jia Baoyu’s residence. It covers 899 square meters. Jiangyun House his sitting room remains furnished with luxury items. A mahogany bed displays Yulan Magnolias Malus spectabilis and tree peonies. Bronze vessels and porcelain complete the scene. Tongling Study nearby was where Baoyu wrote poems painted and entertained guests.
Southeast is Bamboo Lodge Lin Daiyu’s home. It spans 543 square meters. Bamboos surround the lodge. Beyond a stone bridge and brook are its main rooms. Dragon Chant and Bamboo Shadow Pavilions flank her living quarters. The Glittering Jade Room provided space for her painting chess and poetry.
West of the Bamboo Lodge is Alpinia Park belonging to Xue Baochai. This 699 square meter area features Mandarin Duck Hall. Beyond the hall a stunning rockery leads to a hexagonal pavilion. A waterfall cascades into the lotus pool. Xue Baochai’s living room rests behind the artificial hill.
Shanghai Grand View Garden offers much more to explore. Paddy-Sweet Cottage the Studio of Autumn Freshness and Green Lattice Nunnery each holds unique stories. Wander these paths rediscover the Dream of the Red Chamber. Let the beauty and history of Shanghai Grand View Garden captivate you.