Abstract: Nuclear resonant vibrational spectroscopy (NRVS) is a synchrotron radiation based and relatively new vibrational spectroscopy. It has great potential in studying iron-specific chemistry and biochemistry due to its theoretical and experimental advantages compared with traditional Fourier transform infrared and resonant Raman spectroscopy. This article is divided into two parts, with the second part to appear in the next issue. In this issue, we will introduce the basic concepts and theory of NRVS, as well as its experimental methods and instruments. The procedure to obtain the partial vibrational density of states (PVDOS) from a raw NRVS spectrum will also be illustrated using the simple chemical ion FeCl₄－ as an example. The topics are selected according to their novelty, relevance and practical applications, and the discussions are organized for easy comprehension by nonspecialists. In the next issue, we will focus on the chemical and biochemical applications of NRVS.