著称 is a verb meaning 'to be renowned for' or 'to be famous for'. It combines 著 (zhù), meaning 'famous' or 'prominent', and 称 (chēng), meaning 'to call', 'to name', or 'to be known as'. Together, they form a set phrase indicating that a person, place, or thing is widely recognized or celebrated for a particular quality, achievement, or feature. The structure is typically used in formal or written Chinese — you’ll see it often in travel guides, historical texts, news reports, and academic writing.

This phrase usually follows the subject and precedes the preposition 于 (yú) + noun phrase (e.g., 以…著称, 'renowned for…'), though it can also appear with 以 followed directly by the reason. It emphasizes reputation rather than active action — so it’s not used for temporary or personal claims of fame, but for established, widely acknowledged renown.