Dream Tour in the Prospect Garden: A Cultural Exhibition Wraps Up with Vibrant Success
Teaching and research are never an either-or choice—they are two sides of the same coin. I can’t imagine someone who isn’t a good teacher being a good researcher, or vice versa. What would you teach if you don’t research? What’s the point of researching if you don’t want to share it? — Dr. Fan Shengyu
The student-led art exhibition “Dream Tour in the Prospect Garden” closed amid cheers, captivating performances, and a lively wave of cultural enthusiasm. Immersive, interactive, and full of creative energy, the event didn’t just meet expectations—it brought the world of Dream of the Red Chamber to life in a way that left everyone inspired.
Guided by the passion and expertise of Associate Professor Fan Shengyu, the exhibition invited visitors on a vivid journey through China’s greatest literary classic—a novel Dr. Fan has both taught and researched for over two decades. With the dynamic support of colleagues from CHL and CAP, along with wonderful local partners like the ACT Overseas Chinese Student Care Centre and the Zhuge Zither Workshop, the gallery truly became a living corner of the Prospect Garden. On display were treasures from Dr. Fan’s own collection: rare editions of the novel in Chinese, English, Japanese, and German, alongside literary keepsakes like bookmarks, stamps, figurines, and posters.
The heartbeat of the exhibition came from 124 students across disciplines, all enrolled in “CHST3212: Reading Chinese Literature.” Working in small teams, they produced thoughtful, engaging notes for each piece on show. But they didn’t just write—they performed! Students stepped into the roles of Baoyu, Daiyu, Xifeng and other beloved characters, dubbing scenes from the classic 1987 TV series into English and creating lively video reels. The excitement built to a festive peak at the opening ceremony on October 20, 2025, where guests enjoyed live traditional music, song, and poetic recitations—all channeling the spirit of the novel.
We were delighted to welcome special guests including Associate Professor Mathew Davies (Associate Dean of Education, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific), Ms. Mandy Scott (Convenor of the Canberra Languages Forum), Ms. Sharon Strange (Manager of the Australian Centre on China in the World), and faculty from the School of Culture, History & Language. A highlight was the presence of Madam Li Wei, Minister-Counselor, and Secretary Ms. Guo Jun from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, whose participation emphasized the cultural importance of this initiative.
More than a display of artifacts, this exhibition became a vibrant conversation between past and present, sparking curiosity and dialogue across campus. Looking ahead, this lively cultural prelude sets the scene for a major academic event: the 2nd International Conference on Hongloumeng Studies Across the Pacific Rim on April 8–9, 2026 to be held at CIW seminar rooms—the first of its kind in Australia. Together, these projects weave teaching, research, and community into a shared journey of discovery.
“假作真时真亦假，无为有处有还无。”
— 曹雪芹
Truth becomes fiction when the fiction’s true; Real becomes not-real when the unreal’s real.— trans. David Hawkes
