Fan Zhibin, a researcher at the Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall in Beijing, says that Dream of the Red Chamber is more like an encyclopedia than a novel because it encapsulates the essence of traditional Chinese culture passed down for centuries.

However, the book is not a highbrow preserve — it has been popular among the masses when it first came out, and since then has influenced the lifestyles and aesthetics of Chinese people through traditional opera, painting and other genres.

"Early on, not that many people could read or write, but a lot of commoners loved it," Fan says.

"They got to know and accept it through traditional opera and paintings. Almost all traditional opera styles have their own stage adaptations of Dream of the Red Chamber. Over the years we've seen a lot of artistic creations, both tangible and intangible, relating to the book.

"Nowadays many people are seeking enjoyment and aesthetic fulfillment, and it's prime time for the development of cultural and creative industries using Dream of the Red Chamber as a medium."

Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn