Cangzhou

Cangzhou is a prefecture-level city in eastern Hebei province, People's Republic of China. It lies approximately 90 kilometres from the major port city of Tianjin, and 180 km from Beijing. To the east is the Bohai Sea, which separates the city from the Shandong Peninsula. The city gained its name from its close proximity to the Bohai Sea. It was said to be one of main sources of the ancient legend that Pangu separated the sky from earth. Historically, successive dynasties had set up counties in this area. The famous Grand Canal zigzagged 220 kilometers through the territory of this city. These associations have left the city an abundance of culture and a large number of historical relics.

Botou Mosque As the Hui ethnic minority make up nearly thirty-five percent of Cangzhou's population, Botou Mosque will provide a good insight into the lifestyle of many of the local people. The Iron Lion was given the grand-sounding name "Zhen Hai Hou", meaning "the Roar to Calm the Sea". It was regarded as the symbol of this ancient city. Rising up its proud head, it appears in great dignity indicative of the three characters "Shizi Wang" (The Lion King) cas