Once Upon a China is an unconventional architectural story of great beauty, empathy, honour and sadness. The chapters are ingenious re-imaginations of à â Ë Dream of the Red Mansionà â â , à â Ë Journey to the West à â â , à â Ë The Water Marginà â â , and à â Ë Romance of the Three Kingdomsà â â , and are conceived as specific themes of Chinese identity.