Originally constructed around 356BCE by the State of Qin as     1     irrigation and flood control system, Dujiangyan is a remarkable example of ancient engineering skill     2     is still in use today. During the Warring States period, people who lived along the     3     (bank) of the Min River were troubled by annual flooding. Qin governor and irrigation engineer Li Bing investigated the problem completely. He led a team     4     (construct) a dam to redirect a portion of the river’s flow. Then they cut a channel through Mount Yulei to discharge (排出) the floodwater. After the system was finished, no more floods occurred. What’s more, it made Sichuan one of the most productive     5     (agriculture) regions in China because the     6     (redirect) water from the Min River could be used for irrigation. If you visit Dujiangyan, you will see an unusual construction     7     is like a fish’s mouth. This famous attraction, Yuzui, together with two other important parts, namely, Feishayan and Baopingkou, was     8     (scientific) designed to control the water flow throughout the year. Recognised     9     a UNESCO heritage site, Dujiangyan     10     (irrigate) farms while preventing floods for over 2,000 years.

Liu Qingshan, 60, comes from a family of stone carvers(雕刻师) in Quyang county, Hebei Province. At 12 he started learning the handicraft(手艺) from his father and eight years later he    1    (join) in some big projects such as Yunnan Nationalities Village and Beijing Zhongguan Village. Now he works at a stone carving factory    2     six other craftsmen in Tiangang town, Jilin Province. They usually create stone lions and stone figures.

    3    (carve) a stone lion, there are five steps：firstly, they draw the shape on a stone; secondly, they cut the unnecessary part with hammer and drill; thirdly, they give shape to details,    4    (include) hair, eyes, nose; fourthly, they carve them    5    (careful) ; lastly, they polish the sculpture,    6    requires much patience and about 15 days’ work.

“In my eyes, the stone creatures have    7    (they) own life and soul,” said Liu. Liu had    8    (dozen) of students but now only four remain. “In recent years many craftsmen and students do not want to take on this difficult profession,” said Liu.

The stone carving as    9    old handicraft is gradually going out of fashion. Nevertheless, Liu    10    (decide) to hold on straight to the end.