Composer Wang Liping's signature celebrates the book's release [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dozens of musicians and editors, including ones coming from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, are part of the project. And the eldest participants are in their 80s.

The lyrics, the related social background, as well as the life experiences of the songwriters are part of the anthology.

Speaking about the anthology, Wang Liping, 78, chief editor of the anthology and renowned composer whose representative works include the 13 music pieces he created for the TV adaptation of the Dream of the Red Chamber in 1987, says: "We have stayed true to history."

A clear mind is needed to locate ourselves in history, Wang says, adding: "We want to get more people moved and encouraged and let them examine themselves and make a change."