Chen Xiaoxu (left) plays Lin Daiyu in the 1987 TV adaptation of The Dream of the Red Chamber; Zhou Yangyue plays Lin Daiyu in the latest children's version of The Dream of the Red Chamber. [Photo/Mtime, Official Weibo Account of Xiao Xigu]

The TV version that premiered in 1987 has been praised as the most classic among the adaptations of the book. Directed by Wang Fulin, the 36-episode series took three years to complete.

The latest children's version is in honor of the 30th anniversary of the 1987 work .The cast's costumes and makeup were based on advice from composer Wang Liping and costume designer Shi Yanqin for the 1987 TV adaptation.

Ouyang Fenqiang, who played the leading protagonist, Jia Baoyu, in the 1987 version, also was invited to guide the young actors.