Chinese people spend more time reading online material than books. And more people prefer to read magazines, according to a survey conducted by the Chinese Institute of Publishing Science (CIPS).

"China's Fourth National Reading Survey to Mark the World Book and Copyright Day" surveyed 8,000 people from 280 cities across the country including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Guangzhou.

The survey began last December and ran until February this year, aiming to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property rights in China, said Hao Zhenxing, head of the CIPS.

The survey also revealed that most people prefer to read fiction, while books on culture and education are also popular.

According to the survey, more than 60 per cent of those interviewed are familiar with the concept of copyrights, but nearly half of those do not have a detailed understanding.

The survey also found that fewer people are buying pirated publications.

A report on the data collected during the survey will be ready by the end of May and will be published at the beginning of June, according to Hao.