In this paper, we provide a statistical analysis of research projects from 1990 to 2016 focused on the protection of stone cultural relics and approved by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). We analyze the academic trajectory of such research from the aspects of time distribution, type distribution, discipline, supporting institution and research team, etc., of funded projects. In addition, we discuss the key points and hotspots concerning the protection of stone relics in China in terms of research area, research direction and construction of research teams, and also make some pertinent suggestions. This paper provides a reference for relevant researchers toward understanding basic research directions related to protection of stone cultural relics.