In History of Song and Yuan Drama, Wang Guowei wrote: “Every era has its signature literary form—the Sao of Chu, the Fu of Han, the ornate prose of the Six Dynasties, the poetry of the Tang, the poems of the Song, and the drama of the Yuan.”

Romance of the Western Chamber stands as the crowning jewel of Yuan drama—hailed as “a marvel of all time” and a “peerless masterpiece.” Together with The Story of the Stone, it forms the “twin peaks” of traditional Chinese literature. The lovers Cui Yingying and Zhang Sheng—who break through rigid convention to pursue marriage based on true affection—embody the timeless ideal that “all true lovers in this world may become lifelong companions.”

Opening on October 25, 2023, Lovers in the World: Cultural Exhibition of the Romance of the Western Chamber draws on the Guangdong Museum’s signature collections and the loan of fine works from 13 cultural institutions across China. The exhibition presents the story, aesthetics, cultural meaning, and lasting influence of Romance of the Western Chamber, celebrating classical literature, sharing Chinese stories, and exploring the contemporary relevance of traditional culture.

Highlights