What can a set of bells teach children about leadership, harmony, and music from 2,400 years ago?

This week on Little Lantern Stories, our magic lantern takes us to an extraordinary discovery in China.

In 1978, archaeologists opened a tomb sealed for more than 2,400 years.Inside, they found something astonishing.

Not gold.Not weapons.

But an entire orchestra.

At the centre were 65 bronze bells — the ancient Chinese instrument called 编钟 (biānzhōng). When struck, each bell could play two different notes, an engineering marvel from the Warring States period.

Through the eyes of our curious six-year-old explorer Lele, children travel back to the court of Marquis Yi of Zeng, where music was more than entertainment — it represented order, harmony, and leadership.

Along the journey, young listeners learn:

• how sound travels through vibration• why ancient Chinese rulers valued music• the Chinese word for music — 音乐• how to ask “Do you like music?” — 你喜欢音乐吗？

And of course, Lele has an important question of his own:

Would Marquis Yi have liked dumplings?

If you’re curious too, the magic lantern is waiting.

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