Insider guide to San Francisco’s Exploratorium

The Exploratorium on Pier 15 in San Francisco is a wonderland of experiment and investigation – and quite a bit of play – exploring science, art and human perception. Attempting to offer a guide to the Exploratorium is like herding kinetic molecules in a swirling vortex of mechanics, magnetics, chaotic pendulums and gravity wells, which is probably one of the museum’s exhibits.

First China-U.K. Freight Train Departs as Xi Seeks to Lift Trade

China initiated a rail-freight service to Britain as part of President Xi Jinping’s efforts to strengthen trade ties with Europe. The first train departed Yiwu in eastern Zhejiang province on Jan. 1 and will cover more than 12,000 kilometers in about 18 days before reaching London, China Railway Corp. said in a statement Monday.