The narrow passage on the entrance of Canton River at Humen was named ‘Bocca Tigris’ or ‘Bogue’ by Portuguese sailors. It lies between a cluster of low hills and hilly islands through which runs a wide, deep channel. Homeward bound European vessels had to show their official pass, obtained at Whampoa, before they were allowed to leave Chinese waters. The Lotus (Lianhua) pagoda, a familiar sight to Western merchants, stands northwest of the Tigris.