This paper introduces a descriptive approach to translation criticism based on polysystem theory. It explains the aims, critical
methodology and scope of such an approach, and uses it to provide a comprehensive account of the translation of Hong Lou Meng into English, a history that has covered a course of almost 160 years and has produced 9 versions. This
descriptive study sheds light on three aspects: (1) Shifts in the relative position of Chinese and Anglo-American culture have influenced the norms and trends in the English translation of Chinese classics in different historical periods. (2) The position and social role of the English version of Hong Lou Meng, which is translated literature, vary in the Anglo-American cultural polysystem with different historical periods. (3) Only by combining prescriptive translation criticism with descriptive translation criticism can
literary translation criticism develop into a complete system of translation criticism and further the cause of translated literature.