China scholars entered the field of English translation of classics relatively late.

China scholars entered the field of English translation of classics relatively late. According to the statistics of the existing Sinology Bibliography, the translation of China's classics is mostly done by western sinologists independently or with the help of China collaborators. Western translators since missionaries have made indelible contributions to the spread of China classics in foreign countries. However, in the past, when western translators translated China cultural classics, they mostly adopted the translation strategy of catering to the target readers, and misinterpretations and mistranslations of China culture were everywhere in the translation process.

In addition, the language of China's ancient classic texts has three characteristics: semantic roundness, grammatical parataxis and rhetorical vagueness, which makes it difficult for most foreign learners to touch the core of China culture in a short time. However, the main purpose of translating China's classics into English is to introduce the real traditional culture of China to the western world, promote cultural exchanges and development between China and the West, and let the west know the real China.

We should look at the dilemma and gap between China's classic translation practice and acceptance objectively and fairly, draw translation wisdom from great classic translators, and gain guidance and strength to move forward.

In this respect, the comparison between the English versions of A Dream of Red Mansions by Yang and Hawkes is a subject worthy of our serious consideration. These two versions were published in the 1970s, which made all three translators gain great reputations, and at the same time set off a lasting comparative study of the two versions in the translation field.

In this process, we should deeply understand the translation facts of China's classics, objectively analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the two versions, combine China's local experience and theory with western translation theories, and take its essence, so that China's translation research and practice can be sublimated in a virtuous circle of inheritance and development, and constantly cultivate and improve the ability to tell China's story well and build China's discourse system in practice. ?