"Dreaming Back to the Red Mansion: Shanghai Grand View Garden"

Today, with a light drizzle, the water towns of Jiangnan are filled with moisture, but it seems even the heavens know I carry a dream in my heart. Slowly strolling along the shores of Dianshan Lake and Yuandang Lake in Qingpu, I step into a poetic convergence—the Shanghai Grand View Garden.

This is no ordinary garden; it is the embodiment of the prosperous world depicted by Cao Xueqin. Passing through the vermilion gate, I seem to hear the laughter beneath the glazed tiles, see Daiyu lowering her brows on the stone bridge, Baochai glancing back—old dreams reborn. And in the depths of the greenery, I feel as if I have come home.

The long tree-lined paths quietly unfold on both sides, with green vines entwining the trees and soft light flowing. I lift my head, and my heart stretches along with it. At that moment, nature gently embraces me like an old friend who knows me well, silently saying: You’re here, finally back.

I took many photos, wanting to deeply remember the light and stillness among the trees, and the joy in the moment when I lightly raised my hand. Have you ever had such a moment—no words needed, just standing in a patch of tree shadows, your heart soft and moved like poetry?

In front of the Happy Red Court, flower shadows slant; in the Xiao Xiang Pavilion, the fragrance is quiet. I stand outside the Happy Red Court, letting the breeze stir the curtains, imagining how the boy who became a spirit in the stone quietly contemplates a scroll here. Entering the Xiao Xiang Pavilion, a faint, lingering fragrance drifts in; I dare not speak loudly, afraid of disturbing Sister Daiyu’s subtle sorrow.

The pavilion in the lake’s center rests quietly for a moment. Watching the lotus flowers bloom on the water and the willows droop by the shore, every step reveals a scene full of sentiment. The Red Mansion has yet to awaken, but my heart is already dreaming. The garden’s pink walls, black tiles, and scattered shadows and light are my deepest memory today. If you have ever harbored a dream of the Red Mansion in your heart, why not take a walk here?

Postscript
………………
When the rain poured heavily, to avoid getting wet, I temporarily stepped into a small white house outside the garden called "Bao and Dai’s First Meeting." It is a small lakeside café with open windows, where the sound of rain becomes music, and the air is filled with the scent of vanilla latte.

Because of this brief stop, I met a young and earnest owner. Her smile was clear, her tone gentle, quietly blooming like a flower in this little world. We chatted briefly and took a photo together—by the flower wall, amidst the sound of rain, like a warm, unexpected moment on the journey.

When I returned to the garden, the rain had eased. The Grand View Garden regained its morning brightness. I continued my walk, but quietly carried an afterglow in my heart—that was the aroma of a cup of coffee, a chance encounter’s smile, a poetic moment.

#ShanghaiGrandViewGarden

#IAmGrannyLiu
#EvenAFlowerByTheRoadsideCanMakeMeStopAndAdmireForALongTime
#TheBestRemedyForLifeIsToKeepLovingLife