Well, one characteristic is the detailed historical settings. These novels often accurately portray the time period, like the architecture, clothing, and social hierarchies. For example, in 'A Dream of Red Mansions', you can see the grandeur of a noble family's mansion and the complex rules of propriety. Another is the complex relationships. Love is often intertwined with family, power, and social status. In 'The Legend of Zhen Huan', the heroine has to navigate through various power - based relationships while dealing with her own feelings. Also, they usually have strong cultural elements, such as traditional Chinese values like loyalty, filial piety, and female virtues.