Reputed to be the model for the mansion in Cao Xueqin's 18th-century classic Dream of the Red Mansions, this residence is one of Běijīng's largest private residential compounds. If you can, get here ahead of the tour buses and admire the rockeries, plants, pools, pavilions, corridors and elaborately carved gateways. Arrive with the crowds and you won't want to stay. Performances of Běijīng opera are held regularly in the Qing-dynasty Grand Opera House in the east of the grounds.