Marble is the main material used in antique stone carving. Early in the Northern Wei Dynasty (AD386-534), people had exploited large amounts of marble in Datong, to build palaces, walls and tombs.

During the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, marbles were also used to build Datong’s city walls and the prince mansion.

With the implementation of the reform and opening up policy, people became fonder of marble. Many foreign investors were even attracted to the marble business in Datong, when factories proliferated throughout the region, including the Tongshen Stone Carving factory.

The factory produces antique-styled carvings in the form of figurines, animals, Buddhas, tombstones and home decoration items. The most popular are the figurine carvings of Tiannu Sanhua (the heavenly maidens scatter blossoms), the animal carving of the Mighty Lion, the Buddha carving of the Drunk and Lying Guanyin.

The Mighty Lion is particularly exquisite. Two lotuses and two dragons playing ball make up the figurine’s base while the lion is carved out to appear powerful and vigorous.

The factory’s products are not only favored by customers, but they also win praise from experts as well. The factory’s workmen are known for their skillful carving technique and beautiful shapes. The factory’s products have a market base in countries such as Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Singapore.