Cao Xueqin of the Qing Dynasty models Grand View Garden, built in 1988, on the garden in the Chinese classical novel A Dream of Red Mansions. As described in the book, the garden was built for the imperial concubine Jia Yuanchun, who received her relatives there.

For more than two centuries, the Chinese people read about the garden. Now they can relive the scenes described in the book.

There are five courtyards, three park areas, a Buddhist temple, rockeries and a large lake. Trees and flowers complete the picture. Tea is available at many of the small shops.

Address: 12 Nancaiyuan Jie, Xuanwu District;

Entry ticket: 15 yuan;

Traffic: Buses No.10, 19, 59, 122, 351, 603 and 819;

Tel: 86-10-63544994.

(China.org.cn)