Antique clockwork marvels from China's Forbidden City

Called zimingzhong in Mandarin Chinese, or “bells that ring themselves“, these intricate clocks were brought to China by European missionaries during the Qing dynasty and were highly prized by Chinese emperors. These lavish clockworks don't just represent time but serve as windows on a period of cutting-edge scientific innovation and collaboration across borders. The 'Zimingzhong: Clockwork treasures from China's Forbidden City' exhibition is on display at the Science Museum, London until 2 June 2024 -- Learn more ➤ Subscribe ➤ Get more from New Scientist: Official website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: About New Scientist: New Scientist was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”. Today our website, videos, newsletters, app, podcast and print magazine cover the world’s most important, exciting and entertaining science news as well as asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human. New Scientist