Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

A GROUP of expats studying and working in Guangming District toured the Ebohr Horology Culture Museum on Saturday.

Organized by the Guangming District Foreign Affairs Bureau, this event was part of the “Expats Explore Guangming” series, which aims to foster cultural exchanges between Chinese and international residents and help expats better integrate into local community life.

Situated on Jin’an Road in Gongming Subdistrict, the Ebohr Horology Culture Museum is Shenzhen’s first museum dedicated to timepieces and the culture of timekeeping. The two-story museum covers an area of 1,440 square meters.

Upon entering, visitors were greeted by a giant circular-screen cinema. There, a film depicting the history and development of timepieces allowed attendees to explore the evolution of timekeeping with a vivid sense of immersion.

Following the screening, the expats were introduced to over 300 exhibits, ranging from ancient Chinese timekeeping devices, such as sundials and water clocks, to antique European clocks and palace timepieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The collection offered visitors a fascinating glimpse into how time was measured by early civilizations while also showcasing the distinctiveness of Eastern and Western horology.

The museum also displays contemporary watches from renowned global brands that exemplify the pinnacle of modern craftsmanship. Each piece tells a compelling story that blends historical significance with artistic elegance.

During the tour, Cash Tariq, from Pakistan, remarked, “I think it’s a great opportunity for us as foreigners to learn about Chinese timekeeping and the history of watches, including how people maintained time in ancient days.”