Abstract：In ancient China, there are many kinds of musical instruments, each with different expressive meaning. Guqin, one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments, gradually became indispensable to the literati-official class. String instruments like Guqin were used for entertainment in leisure time and also in the major worship ceremonies. Flutes, another old Chinese musical instrument, though diverse in shape, name and occasion for performance, were used in court music like Guqin and also appeared in God worship ceremony. Drums had been used much widely, but more often in God worship activities, together with bells. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the ethical function of music was strengthened and the yin-yang-wuxing theory was introduced into music review, making the performance full of political and ethical flavor.

Keyword：Han Dynasty;origin of musical instrument;playing skills;