SINGAPORE - Gardens by the Bay unveiled a brand new attraction on Thursday (Nov 10) and this time, the focus is not on the plants, but rocks.

Designed by established Japanese landscape designer Jun-ichi Inada, the park's newest attraction, The Canyon, features Singapore's largest collection of sculptural rocks, with over 60 one-of-a-kind formations on display.

"Nature has many marvellous elements, and while flora is much celebrated at Gardens by the Bay, The Canyon offers a different perspective by showcasing the beauty in rocks," said Dr Kiat W. Tan, CEO of Gardens by the Bay.

"We hope that this is a place that will inspire a sense of wonder in children, especially since the young have such unfettered imagination."

The team at Gardens by the Bay spent close to three years sourcing for rock forms in Shandong, China for use in the garden, selecting each specimen for its aesthetic appeal, impressive size and unique shape.

Naturally shaped by weather and time, several of these granite rock forms are more than a thousand years old. The widest rock measures 9m across, while the tallest towers over visitors at a height of 7m.

The Canyon also features over 200 exotic plant species from arid regions specially selected to complement the unique rock forms, as well as several sculptures.

Mr Lee Kum Weng, 72, a retiree who visits the park regularly, was impressed.

"It's a very special rock garden. Some of the rocks resemble lions," he said.

"You have to look at it slowly to admire it."