It feels like a two-day Dream of the Red Chamber - A travelogue of 'Only Red Mansion Dream City'
I suddenly got approval for two days of annual leave and decided to visit the long-awaited 'Only Red Mansion Dream City'. I originally planned to set off on Saturday morning, but the weather didn't cooperate—it was pouring rain. I checked the forecast: heavy rain on Saturday, clear skies on Sunday. I decided to go anyway. First tip: (1) Heavy rain doesn't hinder the visit. Most shows are indoors, and the theaters are close together. Plus, seeing the attractions in the rain has a unique charm.
The tickets were booked online for over 1500 RMB (including two-day tickets for two people + hotel ticket; I chose Qixiu Hotel, which has a pool, sauna, and other facilities—very luxurious). I also bought a separate student-exclusive ticket for over 500 RMB. (2) Parking at the Dream City scenic area is 48 RMB per day, already discounted. The hotel is very close to the scenic area—just a short taxi ride with a base fare. Decide according to your situation.
Day 1: I recommend watching shows. Day 2: I recommend filling in the gaps and taking photos.
Food: I recommend the "Graduation Season Canteen" for Chinese food, about 60-70 RMB per person. Also, "Granny Liu's Bun Shop" has large buns (about 9 RMB each) plus porridge, around 40-50 RMB per person.
Drinks: The dining restaurants all provide hot water. Additionally, only the "You Huan Wu Theater" has a place to get hot water. Beverages in the scenic area are not expensive: drinks 6-8 RMB, plain water 5 RMB.
Activities: The theme of Day 1 is watching shows. Follow the mini-program "Only Red Mansion Dream City" in advance—it has a detailed show schedule. You can watch in order according to the schedule. Since multiple shows run at the same time, I recommend following my plan:
11:00 "No. 35 Middle School"—Enter from the main gate, you'll see more than 20 gates ahead. Enter through the 5th gate from the right, walk a few steps, and you'll reach "No. 35 Middle School". After the show, eat at the cafeteria.
13:00 Four Waters Returning to the Hall
14:00 "Dream of the Red Chamber Chapter 33"
15:00 No. 36 Shanghai Road
16:00 Zhen Yi Jia Theater (book when buying tickets, major show 1 hour)
18:00 Book Endless
19:00 You Huan Wu Theater (book when buying tickets, major show 1 hour)
20:00 Exit area—light show
20:40 Reincarnation (optional)
21:00 Impermanence (optional)
Day 2 is mainly for filling in the gaps and taking photos. Every small partition in the scenic area is a meticulously designed attraction, all very photogenic.
11:30 Second Shop
13:00 Reader Theater (book when buying tickets, major show 1 hour, leg-intensive)
15:00 Only Red Mansion
16:00 Siheyuan—a back-intensive show; sit on small stools, make sure to sit in the middle
18:00 I Don't Like Red Mansion—another back-intensive show; sit on small cushions, chairs around the edge, feels about the same
