If the phrase “you met me in a very Chinese time of my life” has been living rent-free on your TikTok FYP, this one’s for you. Even if you haven’t read Journey to the West cover to cover, you’ve probably met the Monkey King somewhere – in TV dramas, comics, video games, or that one Chinese period show your parents had playing in the background.
Now, Singaporeans will get to see rare literary treasures linked to China’s 4 great classic novels up close. The National Library Board (NLB) will host a special exhibition in December 2026 featuring artefacts loaned from the National Library of China, including materials related to Journey to the West, Water Margin, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Dream of the Red Chamber.
A rare edition of Water Margin.
Image credit: National Library of China
In case you need a crash course, here are the 4 titles:
When the exhibition opens, Singaporeans will get to see rare editions and historically significant printings of these beloved works, offering a closer look at how the novels were published, preserved, and passed down through generations. The exhibition will also highlight the artistry of traditional bookmaking, including distinctive illustrations, typography, and binding styles.
The exhibition will be held at the National Library Singapore in December 2026, and will be presented in both English and Chinese. It aims to deepen appreciation of Chinese literary culture and arts in Singapore, while giving visitors a closer look at the classics behind some of Asia’s most enduring stories.
And no, don’t expect a display of old books just sitting behind glass. The exhibition will take visitors through the story worlds of the Four Great Classic Novels, with interactive digital installations that introduce key characters, atmospheric settings, and major plot moments.
Image credit: National Library Singapore
One highlight both kids and adults will love is an interactive wall inspired by a Qing dynasty imperial opera, where visitors can discover how Sun Wukong obtained his iconic weapon. So yes, there’ll be more to do than just nod thoughtfully at ancient texts while pretending you remember your Chinese literature lessons.
The exhibition will also feature rare artefacts on loan from the National Library of China, including Tier 1 cultural relics – China’s highest classification for national heritage objects. These include early editions, woodblock prints, and opera scripts dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. And here’s the cool part: some of these are exhibited outside China for the first time.
Chrita Dahulu-kala, Namanya Sam Kok.
Image credit: Ministry of Digital Development and Information
There’ll also be items from the National Library Singapore’s own collection, including Chrita Dahulu-kala, Namanya Sam Kok, a 30-volume Baba Malay translation of Romance of the Three Kingdoms published in Singapore between 1892 and 1896.
One of the many prints of Dream of the Red Chamber today.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @bookarama via Instagram
Literature nerds, hold your breath. Among the rare artefacts on display is the Jimao manuscript of Dream of the Red Chamber, one of the earliest surviving handwritten versions of the novel. Dating back to 1759, it’s especially significant because it gives researchers a look at the text before later edits and revisions came into the picture.
There’ll also be an illustrated version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which shows how Ming dynasty illustrations began shifting from event-heavy scenes to more character-focused depictions.
Water Margin drinking game cards.
Image credit: National Library of China
Then there’s the rare set of Water Margin drinking game cards, featuring 40 characters from the novel. And for Journey to the West fans, look out for a Qing dynasty imperial court opera script adapted from the story.
If you’ve ever wanted to go beyond the pop culture references and see where these legendary stories came from, this exhibition is one to keep on your radar. More details, including exact dates and admission, will be announced closer to its opening in December 2026.
This also comes as Singapore steps up efforts to preserve Chinese heritage, with a new Singapore Chinese Heritage Gallery set to open in 2031. Chinese classics and heritage are getting the spotlight they deserve, especially amongst the younger generation in Singapore. And while you patiently wait, you can also check out both English and Chinese classics at NLB’s Big Book Giveaway.
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Cover image adapted from: National Library Singapore & Ministry of Digital Development and Information
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