The 18th-century novel Dream of the Red Chamber, written by Cao Xueqin, is much more than one of the greatest works of Chinese literature. It has also become the subject of a system of thought and studies that scholars, both at home and abroad, have dedicated themselves to researching, including the historical background, customs, attire and cuisine narrated in the novel. And the book has been a favorite for adaptations into stage plays, television series and movies.

An exhibition opening at the National Museum of China on Thursday will center on this great literary work by showing some 600 artifacts, historic documents and artworks of relevance.

The show traces the evolution of Chinese literature to provide the audience clues of how Dream of the Red Chamber represents a peak of classic Chinese novels. It also reveals an encyclopedic scene of society from which Cao drew inspiration to produce a work that has cast a profound influence up to this day.