A married couple whose loving relationship stands out.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"The special thing about this production is that it's set in the very garden next to which Shen Fu grew up and where he and his wife Chen Yun first set up home. It was an important place in their life. In one episode in the book, Shen arranges for them to visit the garden in private. While much of the layout, scale and architecture of the present garden has changed since then, the current pavilion is the same one that they visited. So by coming into the actual setting of their story, the audience is invited back in time into the book itself."

In doing so, people can find some elements in the Kunqu Opera that are connected with life, and the ancient art form can continue to renew its new charm. The "Kunqu plus garden" initiative gives a new lease on life to traditional Kunqu Opera and brings to life Shen's famous work.