Actor Ouyang Fenqiang and actress Chen Xiaoxu during the shooting of the TV drama. [Photo Provided to China Daily]

"The 1987 TV series brought these characters in the novel vividly to life," says Liu, editor for a publishing company in Beijing.

"I remember that each episode begins with two giant stones, symbolizing Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu. I had many questions about the novel, and the performances of the actors inspired me to use my imagination and search for answers."

Li Huiqun, a professor at the Institute of Communication Studies at China Communication University in Beijing, conducts courses there on Dream of Red Chamber that began running in 2008. They cover traditional Chinese culture, including poems and etiquette, that figure in the novel.

In 1984 Da Guan Yuan, or Grand View Garden, was built in Beijing, as the main shooting spot of the 1987 TV series. With more than 40 Qing Dynasty-styled pavilions, bridges, courtyards, and buildings, the garden, covering 12.5 hectares, opened to visitors after the series was filmed.

It is also the location of Beijing Red Mansion Culture and Art Museum, which exhibits photos and costumes of the 1987 TV series.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn