A century later, local artists are planning to display their carvings at the 2015 World Expo in Milan, Italy.

To help preserve and pass along chrysanthemum stone carving techniques, the local government has cooperated with vocational schools to cultivate talented carvers each year, said Li Zhou, a veteran master of the craft.

Hunan Arts and Crafts Museum Director Liang Xiangyong said they have been working on organizing a series of activities to further promote the province's art and craft works. He said giving more young people firsthand experience is crucial for inheriting the traditional arts.

To strengthen the legal protection of cultural heritage, the Hunan provincial government has issued a number of regulations and laws.

In 2005, the government issued guidance for strengthening the protection of intangible cultural heritage. The following year, a regulation protecting folk cultural heritage in western Hunan, which is home to most of Hunan's ethnic groups, was formally implemented.

The government has also undertaken public education in heritage protection and stepped up efforts to train talent. As well, it has organized widespread research into intangible cultural heritage across the province.