A dictionary, exclusively compiled for China's most famous classic "Dream of the Red Mansions," has been published in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, helping foreigners who are interested in Chinese literature understand the masterpiece.

The "Dream of the Red Mansions," written by writer Cao Xueqin of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), was famous for its idioms, folk adages, allegorical sayings and literary quotations.

The novel depicts lives of a big feudal family and its collapse. The work, considered as the greatest achievement in ancient China's literary creations, has a large number of readers both at home and abroad.

The dictionary lists 2,270 words and expressions used in the novel, giving explanations in both Chinese and English.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2003)