Simple in style, strongly contrasted in colors, bold and exaggerated in shape, lifelike in form and spirit, these are all characteristics of Tongjiang stone curving. In 2009, Tongjiang stone curving was enlisted in the List of Second Batch of Sichuan Province Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming their historical research and art values.

　　Tongjiang stone carving refers to the traditional stone carving craft among folk carving master atMinsheng Town, Tongjiang County. Tongjiang County Annals recorded that Tongjiang belonged to Ba Kingdom and was called Bizhou in Tang Dynasty and Song Dynasty. Tongjiang stone curving was prosperous during Tang Dynasty. Qianfo Cliff Bas-reliefs Sculptures, located in Ximen, Tongjiang County, was a national level cultural relics preservation unit, renowned for “National Treasure”.

　　From the selected materials, Tongjiang stone curving could be divided into granite stone carving, marble stone carving, white marble stone carving and so on. From theme, it could be categorized into 3 types, stone carving with auspicious patterns, stone carving with persons from dramas, ancient heroes or legends, myths, and daily life, and stone carving with mascots and auspicious animals. There is an established songs and rituals in every process from selection of materials, opening, to carving, coloring and imaging.

　　There is no sculpture model. The carving craft is handed down from the mouths of masters'. After selecting materials, craftsmen draw a general outline on the stone, carve it based on the images in head, and then color it according to the images. Tongjiang stone carving gathers folk painting, sculpture, craft, construction, religion, folklore and other elements together. Because it is handed down ear by ear, Tongjiang stone carving breaks the limitations of physical outline and two-dimensional space. Therefore, it has more viewpoints and levels in performance.

　　Zeng Yuping, totally mastering Tongjiang stone carving craft, is an inheritor of Sichuan provincial intangible cultural heritage. He explained that because Tongjiang stone carving craft demanded that masters should be equipped with many other qualities, together with long learning period and intensive labor, there was a shortage in inheritors. Tongjiang stone carving should be in urgent protection.