In the quiet hills of Chongqing, 68-year-old Liu Nengfeng's chisel continues to whisper ancient stories into limestone. As a certified inheritor of the Dazu Rock Carvings' intangible cultural heritage, Liu represents the living bridge between 9th-century Buddhist artistry and 21st-century cultural preservation.
For 43 years, Liu has transformed raw stone into intricate narratives of compassion and wisdom, mastering techniques passed down through generations. His current work at Baoding Mountain's grottoes preserves not just religious iconography, but also Song Dynasty-era depictions of daily life – from market scenes to family gatherings – frozen in eternal stone.
"Each strike carries responsibility," Liu recently told local media, his hands still steady after four decades. "We're not just carvers, but translators – converting spiritual ideals into tactile form."
This year, heritage authorities announced new digital documentation initiatives to complement traditional craftsmanship. While laser scanners now map every groove, experts emphasize that Liu's tactile understanding of stone grain and weathering patterns remains irreplaceable.
