The Chinese Conservatory of Music and People's Music Publishing House have spent the past four years compiling the first chapter of the China Music Encyclopedia, a book which covers 14 categories, including traditional Chinese music theory, Chinese music history, Chinese music education and Chinese music performance.

During a press conference held in Beijing on Sept 10, the two organizations announced the first chapter of the book has been finished, and has over 5.5 million words.

According to Wang Liguang, president of Chinese Conservatory of Music, academic papers, books and articles related to Chinese music will be included in the first chapter of the encyclopedia, which will offer a solid base for research about Chinese music.

The next three chapters, covering music scores and pictures, will be finished by 2021.