Based primarily on the geochemical and multiple stratigraphic correlation data from the standard section in the eastern Yangtze Gorges,SW China,the National Stratigraphic Commission(NSC)published a provisional division scheme of the Ediacaran(Sinian)System in 2014.In recent years,this scheme has been challenged by new achievements and understandings from studies in past and current biostratigraphy and isotope geochronology.It is thus imperative to propose a new,more precise division scheme and establish new stage-ranking stratotype sections in order to serve as the standard for future nationwide comparisons of the Ediacaran System,particularly in South China.In light of this,this paper suggests the establishment of top-stage stratotype sections of upper and lower strata for the Ediacaran Series in South China,namely the Jiangchuan Stage and the Wenghui Stage.Firstly,it recommends adopting a biogeological criterion as the primary basis for the biostratigraphic division of the Ediacaran Period.It also suggests the characteristic top and bottom boundary stratotype sections,key fossils,inferred ages,and internal subdivisions for these two stages.Secondly,a preliminary Ediacaran system-stage chronostratigraphic framework(stratigraphic column)is proposed,which includes the tentative names of subdivisions for the upper and lower series as well as other stages,thereby indicating the focus of future work and detailed investigations regarding stratotype sections and comparison regions.