Literary Landscapes: Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou in The Dream of the Red Chamber

Since its publication, The Dream of the Red Chamber has been celebrated as a masterpiece of Chinese literature, revered for its complex narrative, profound character portrayals, and rich cultural backdrop. Among the many elements of this literary classic, the cities of Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou stand out as pivotal settings in the novel, shaping its emotional depth and cultural framework.

Mr. Chen Zhengrong, a renowned writer, has devoted himself to the study of the intricate connections between these three cities and Dream of the Red Chamber in his new book, The Three Cities in The Dream of the Red Chamber. As he elucidated, Nanjing, the hometown of the author Cao Xueqin, provided the foundation for the iconic “Twelve Beauties of Jinling,” offering insight into the author’s attachment to his homeland; Suzhou, the birthplace of Lin Daiyu and a key location in the journeys of other characters, enriched the novel’s cultural layers; and Yangzhou, where Lin Daiyu spent her childhood and which marks the starting point of the Grand Canal, was embedded in Cao Xueqin’s memories.

Beyond their literary symbolism, these cities reflected the real-life history and legacy of Cao Xueqin’s family. At this lecture, Mr. Chen will shed light on how Nanjing, Suzhou, and Yangzhou not only served as the backdrop for the novel but also bore witness to the rise and fall of Cao’s family. By tracing the cultural and historical ties between these cities and The Dream of the Red Chamber, this lecture offers a deeper understanding of the novel’s enduring charm and far-reaching influence.

《红楼梦》自问世以来，因其复杂的故事结构、深刻的人物刻画和丰富的文化背景，被誉为中国文学史上的经典之一。其背后折射出的社会、历史、文化情结，引发了无数学者的研究与解读。南京、苏州、扬州作为小说中频繁出现的城市，是《红楼梦》构架中不可或缺的重要支柱。

“红楼三城” 是陈正荣先生提出的概念，他将这三座城市视为《红楼梦》情感与文化的发源地。南京，是曹雪芹的故乡，也是《红楼梦》人物、场景与情节的重要背景。书中的“金陵十二钗”，以南京为核心，展现了曹雪芹对故土的深切眷恋。苏州，小说中描写了林黛玉的出生地，薛蟠的旅程，以及妙玉的居所，丰富了小说的文化内涵。扬州，作为林黛玉幼年生活的城市和大运河北去的起点，深深烙印在曹雪芹的记忆中。

三座城市不仅在《红楼梦》中以文学符号的形式出现，更是曹雪芹家族的生活印记。南京作为曹家世代为官的重镇，苏州与扬州亦是曹家历史的重要组成部分。曹雪芹以这些城市为背景，书写了贾府的盛衰与人生的无常。这些城市不仅承载了《红楼梦》的文学场景，还见证了曹雪芹家族的兴衰。

华美人文学会特邀《红楼三城》的作者陈正荣先生于美东时间10月26日晚8时至9时半（北京时间10月27日早8时至9时半）做专题在线讲座，深入探讨这三座历史文化名城与《红楼梦》之间的深厚联系。通过此次讲座，听众将走进南京、苏州、扬州的文化遗迹，感受《红楼梦》中的风土人情与历史背景，以更深刻地理解这部传世名著的魅力和深远影响。

China Institute’s cultural programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.