A massive on-line chronology of Chinese civilization was initiated here Thursday to allow the public to input and edit all the historical documents dating from ancient times through 1911 when the Republic of China was founded.

"The operation will be similar to the Wikipedia," a popular Web-based free content encyclopedia written by volunteers, said organizer Lu Jun, president of the China Culture Research Society.

The website will have a bulky capacity of 50 billion words and 35 million pieces of photos and audio video clippings, enough for all those interested in the project to put in their historical knowledge, he said.

"Historical study is not just a matter for specialized experts," Lu said, noting that anyone can provide his or her knowledge on Chinese history and paste it on the net, as well as publish his own research results and opinions.

"This is like a pool that you can put your historical knowledge into," Lu said. Volunteers may register at www.china-can.com to become an intern editor, assistant editor or editor.

A consulting committee and an editing board for the project, comprised of top historians, has been established to oversee the operation.
 
(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2005)