Cross-Media Construction and Communication of The Garden Aesthetics in A Dream of Red Mansions in the Perspective of Intertextuality Theory

Abstract

In the era of media convergence, the digital dissemination of traditional culture has become increasingly diverse. A core issue in communication studies is how aesthetic symbols in classical texts are transmitted and connected across various media. This study takes the garden aesthetics of A Dream of Red Mansions as a starting point for interdisciplinary research, drawing on intertextuality theory, cross-media theory, and garden aesthetics. The research objectives are (1) to deconstruct and interpret the meanings of aesthetic symbols found in the gardens of A Dream of Red Mansions, (2) to examine the forms and methods of cross-media intertextuality involving garden aesthetic symbols in the novel, and (3) to design cross-media communication strategies for these symbols based on intertextuality theory. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. For the quantitative component, a sample size of 417 participants was determined using the formula N = Z² × (P × Q) / E². Data were collected through survey questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. For the qualitative component, data collection employed multiple methods, including literature analysis, content analysis, sequential comparison, and semi-structured interviews. Literature and content analysis were used to deconstruct symbolic meanings in landscape architecture, while content analysis and sequential comparison examined intertextual translation strategies across media platforms. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 key informants, divided into two groups. The first group included government officials and scenic site managers, and the second group included researchers of A Dream of Red Mansions, communication scholars, and landscape designers. The interview data were analyzed using a content analysis to test the research hypotheses and inform the development of communication strategies. The findings indicate that the garden symbols in A Dream of Red Mansions have significant cross-media adaptation potential. Based on these findings, the research yielded three outcomes: “The Three-Level Semantic Model of Garden Aesthetic Symbols”; “A Comparative Analysis Framework for Cross-Media Intertextuality”; “The Design of Communication Pathways and Strategies”. However, challenges such as oversimplification, excessive commercialization, and lack of consistency across media remain. Most interviewees emphasized the importance of intertextual consistency, suggesting that it enhances cultural trust and understanding. Research data indicates that Media habits, aesthetic sensitivity, and cultural literacy were found to significantly influence how audiences interpret these symbols. While mobile internet innovations can expand audience reach, the study highlights the need to balance creative adaptation with fidelity to the core cultural meanings. The research contributes to cultural communication theory by constructing a layered semiotic model and a cross-textual intertextuality framework. On a practical level, it offers strategies for multimodal communication and digital heritage preservation. Future research may extend to cross-cultural contexts, AI-generated content, and immersive media applications.