This expression is used when the speaker assumes that the name of the thing/place/person that s/he is going to present is unfamiliar to the hearer. Put a proper noun/unfamiliar name before と いう, which is followed by a common noun/generic noun.
あれは 「パンダ」と いう 動物です。
That is an animal called "panda."
「竹」と いう しょくぶつは つよいです。
The plant called "take" is strong.
「さようなら」と いう ことばを 知って いますか。
Do you know the word "sayoonara"?