Iron Lion of Cangzhou

The Iron Lion of Cangzhou is a large cast iron statue standing at the site of a former temple, representing the heritage of ancient Chinese metalwork. The structure demonstrates the technical mastery of its time through its massive proportions and complex construction.

The statue was created in 953 during the Later Zhou dynasty and served as a guardian at the entrance of Kaiyuan Temple. It was an important component of local defensive architecture during this early imperial period.

The statue displays Buddhist elements, including a lotus throne basin on its back that once held a bronze figure of the Bodhisattva Manjusri. This ornamental detail connects religious practice to the artistic craftsmanship of its era.

The site is accessible by public transportation and located in an area with other historical landmarks. Visitors should allow time for an unhurried walk around the structure to appreciate its construction details and the surrounding landscape.

The statue was assembled from 409 individual iron pieces connected through a specialized casting technique. This unusual construction method allowed craftsmen to create such a massive work without the modern technologies available in later eras.