The Four Great Classic Chinese Novels have had influence around the world on literary works, entertainment and even games.
Beijing, People’s Republic of China, 28 March 2025 — The National Library Singapore, will have a special exhibition in late-2026 featuring artefacts of the Four Great Classic Chinese novels that have not been seen outside of China. This will include original manuscripts, opera scripts and illustrations which date back to as early as the 1700s, among others. This was announced today in Beijing, China, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Library Board (NLB) and the National Library of China (NLC).
The MoU paves the way for the exhibition at the National Library Singapore, featuring the Four Great Classic Novels (四大名著) – Journey to the West《西游记》, Water Margin 《水浒传》, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 《三国演义》, and Dream of the Red Chamber 《红楼梦》– that have influenced many other literary works around the world, and recently, even a video game Black Myth: Wukong. The exhibition, which will be presented in both English and Chinese, aims to deepen the appreciation of literary culture and arts in Singapore.
The exhibition will showcase early editions of the Four Great Classic Novels and related materials from the 17th to 19th century, including woodblock prints, texts with scholarly commentary in the tradition of classical Chinese literature and historiography, and opera scripts. Among these are rare artefacts such as the Jimao manuscript of Dream of the Red Chamber (《红楼梦》己卯本), one of the earliest surviving handwritten versions that dates to the Jimao year (1759) and is considered significant for studying the novel's original text before later editorial revisions. Other notable items include a version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms featuring illustrations that reflect a Ming dynasty shift in emphasis from depicting events to characters, a rare set of drinking game cards with 40 characters from Water Margin, as well as the script of a traditional opera performed in the Qing dynasty imperial court that was adapted from Journey to the West.
Both national institutions will work closely on the research and development of content for the exhibition. More information about the Four Great Classic Novels can be found in the Annex A and more details about the exhibition will be announced in due course.
The MoU signing today was signed by Chief Executive Officer, NLB, Mr Ng Cher Pong, and Deputy Director, NLC, Ms Chen Ying.
This initiative comes at a symbolic time, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. The collaboration also builds on a long-standing partnership between the two national libraries that was established in 1997. The existing MoU covers general cooperation on matters such as the exchange of library materials, staff attachments, and information resource sharing.
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ng Cher Pong said: “We thank the NLC for their loan and support of the exhibition. The new MoU reaffirms NLB’s and NLC’s shared commitment to meaningful cultural and literary exchange.
“The Four Great Classic Novels are timeless literary masterpieces that reflect the universal themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice, among others. These classics have inspired many people around the world over the past few centuries, leading to many other creative works. We hope the exhibition will enhance appreciation of their literary craftsmanship and history among Singaporeans and spark inspiration in many more people.”
Deputy Director, NLC, Ms Chen Ying said: “NLB has long been a valued partner in cultural preservation, and this new MoU marks a significant milestone in that area between the two national libraries.” Ms Chen added that the Four Great Classic Novels are among the most beloved works of literature to the Chinese. “Their stories continue to hold enduring and relevant lessons, and we look forward to fostering a deeper appreciation of Chinese literary heritage through our continued partnership.”
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About National Library Board
The National Library Board (NLB) nurtures Readers for Life, Learning Communities and a Knowledgeable Nation by promoting reading, learning and history through its network of 28 libraries, the National Library and the National Archives of Singapore. NLB also forges strategic partnerships that encourage awareness, appreciation and greater discovery of Singapore's history through its rich collections in Singapore and the region.
NLB achieves excellence through innovation, focusing on citizen engagement and co-creation, resource and digital innovation. This creates learning opportunities, greater access to library resources, services, and archival collections, as well as a continual development of innovative library spaces. Established on 1 September 1995 as a statutory board, NLB is under the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI).
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For media queries, please contact:
Quah Jia Ling
Weber Shandwick
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JQuah@webershandwick.com
Annex