TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, Divine Music Administration

The Divine Music Administration, covering a surface area of almost 10,000 square meters within the Temple, was the most prestigious ritual music academy in China during the 600 years of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ceremonial musical instruments were kept here, and playing and dancing were practiced.

Built in 1420, the complex is divided into three courtyards and is considered one of the five most important areas in the Temple of Heaven.

When it was founded, the structure could hold some 300 people, including musicians and dancers of the imperial court. In just a few years, this number swelled to 2200 during the reign of Emperor Jiajing.

This was also a leisure facility, and each year, the officials who accompanied the emperor to worship Heaven would rent houses in the vicinity. Shops were established in the area, and for years, there was a fair which was abolished during the Qing dynasty....