Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the importance of multi-disciplinary collaboration in the protection and preservation of stone carvings and grottoes in China, highlighting recent advancements and methodologies in this field [6][7][10]. Group 1: Stone Carvings and Grottoes - The Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing are a significant cultural heritage site, with efforts underway to enhance their protection and make the carvings more accessible to the public [2]. - The Longmen Grottoes, another UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases exquisite stone carving art and is a focal point for discussions on preservation techniques [6][10]. Group 2: Multi-disciplinary Collaboration - Experts from over ten countries participated in the 2025 International Forum on Grotto Protection, sharing cutting-edge practices and theories in grotto preservation [6][8]. - The need for a multi-disciplinary approach is emphasized, with techniques from geology, hydrology, and engineering being applied to address water damage and other preservation challenges [7][9]. Group 3: Water Damage Management - Water infiltration poses a significant threat to stone carvings, with the Dazu Rock Carvings experiencing over 1000 mm of annual rainfall, leading to issues like salt efflorescence and surface erosion [7]. - Successful water damage management requires precise geological surveys and the use of advanced technologies such as geological radar and electromagnetic methods to identify water flow paths [7][9]. Group 4: Preventive Protection Strategies - The concept of "preventive protection" is gaining traction, shifting the focus from reactive measures to proactive strategies in preserving cultural heritage [10][11]. - The Longmen Grottoes have implemented a monitoring system with over 200 sensors to detect structural stability and environmental changes, demonstrating the effectiveness of preventive measures [11][12]. Group 5: Technological Innovations - The integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies is being explored to enhance the preservation of stone carvings, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of environmental conditions [13][15]. - Non-destructive testing methods, such as neutron technology, are being utilized to investigate the internal structure of materials without damaging the artifacts, providing valuable insights for preservation efforts [14][15].