Cangzhou's precious heritage - Iron Lion

The Cangzhou Iron Lion, also known as the Zhenhai Roar, is located in the "Cangzhou Iron Lion and Old City Ruins Park" in Cangzhou City, Hebei Province.
The Iron Lion was first built in the third year of Guangshun in the Later Zhou Dynasty (953 AD) and is the oldest and largest cast iron lion in China.
It is 5.78 meters tall, 5.34 meters long, 3.17 meters wide and weighs about 40 tons. It was cast using the clay mold Ming pouring method, showing the high achievement of ancient Chinese casting technology.
Since the 1950s, the Iron Lion has undergone many repairs, but the more it was repaired, the more dilapidated it became. Now it is riddled with holes and beyond recognition. Only 16 iron pipes with a diameter of 15 cm can support its huge body.

In 2011, the Cangzhou Municipal People's Government recast a new iron lion and placed it in the Lion City Park in Cangzhou City. The volume is 1.32 times that of the original iron lion, the weight reaches 120 tons, and the expected lifespan is 2,000 years. This new lion will become a new symbol of Cangzhou, continuing the majestic posture of the old lion.
There is also a cultural exhibition area in the scenic area, including the Folk Culture Museum, Iron Money Treasury, Iron Lion and Old City Cultural Exhibition Hall, Iron Lion Cultural Park and Ancient City Cultural Square.

🏨For self-guided tours in Cangzhou, it is recommended to stay at the Magnolia Hotel (Cangzhou Qingfenglou Nanchuan Old Street Branch), which has a good location and convenient transportation and dining.


Cangzhou Iron Lion and Old City Ruins Park

Post by KALEB GOMEZ | Apr 10, 2025