Nestled in the atrium of the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering at Nanjing University's Xianlin Campus lies a tranquil courtyard—the Rock Garden. It serves as an invaluable classroom for students and faculty to ponder the mysteries of the Earth and ignite their spirit of scientific discovery. Furthermore, it invites every visitor to pause in quiet reflection, experiencing the profound power of time and the boundless expanse of nature. Looking back to 2009, during the early construction of the Xianlin Campus, the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering established the Rock Garden to display precious fossils from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, embodying the original dedication of earth scientists to exploring our planet's secrets. In 2025, the School undertook a comprehensive restoration and enhancement of the garden. What stands before you today is a meticulously crafted window that systematically and comprehensively showcases the geological evolution of the Earth, guided by a renewed core philosophy. Its minimalist yet profound design not only graces the Rock Garden with the serene and contemplative atmosphere of Eastern aesthetics, but also ensures ease of long-term maintenance and preservation. Let us follow the threads of time, cast our gaze upon these silent "historical volumes in stone," and together witness the magnificent 4.6-billion-year epic of the Earth.
