The Precambrian system is not a formal stratigraphic unit, but it refers to all rocks that formed prior to the beginning of the Cambrian Period (base of Phanerozoic) and by this very nature therefore includes the full period of time back to the formation of the Earth. According to the conceptual system of the modern stratigraphy, the establishment of a chronostratigraphic time scale for the Precambrian will be facing significant challenges. Contrasting with the Phanerozoic Eon (from the Cambrian to the Quaternary), the Precambrian is also named as the Cryptozoic Eon. Further researche has shown that there are traces of biological activities in the Precambrian, which led to the subdivision of the Precambrian into three Eons, i. e. the Hadean,the Archean and the Proterozoic Eon; this is an important conceptual advancement in Precambrian stratigraphy. The current time scale of the Precambrian is based on numerical ages that approximate the time of major geological changes,and Proterozoic periods are chosen to reflect large-scale tectonic or sedimentary features (except for the Ediacaran Period). This scheme has served the geosciences community over the past 30 years, and it represents another important advancement in the study of Precambrian stratigraphy. With further investigation of the evolutionary history of the Precambrian Earth, a number of significant changes over time have been recognized. This has led to a more thorough understanding of Precambrian Earth and offers an opportunity to establish and to revise the chronostratigraphic division of the Precambrian. A revised time scale of the Precambrian is proposed,including: 1) the redefinition of the Hadean,Archean,and Proterzoic Eon on the basis of modern stratigraphic concepts; 2) the geological meaning of the lower boundary of the Archean Eon; 3) a revised definition of the Archean-Proterozoic boundary; 4) a tentative system-level subdivision scheme for the Archean Eonothem. The revised Archean Eon can be defined as the time of Precambrian history from the earliest preserved rocks on the Earth's surface (4030 Ma Acasta Gneiss) to the first widespread deposition of glacial rocks, cooler surface Earth conditions, and the rise of atmospheric oxygen at ca. 2420 Ma. The Archean Eon may be subdivided into three eras and six periods. Further, the revised Archean Eon refers to a major period of crust formation and the establishment of a biosphere,characterized by a highly reducing atmosphere (Archean Eon: 40302420 Ma). The system-level subdivision of the Archean Eonothem is not only an audacious proposal but also an important advancement in the study of Precambrian stratigraphy. It is hoped that this proposal will stimulate more research and further advancement in Precambrian stratigraphy.