Jinxiang River

The Jinxiang River

The Jinxiang River, commonly known as Xianhe (Thread River), originates from a spring cave in the northeast corner of the old city of Kaiyuan. It flows past the front of the Zhenwu Temple and exits southwest through the water gate to join the Qinghe River. Though the river never dries up even in droughts, its gentle flow resembles a golden thread. With green willows lining both banks, the misty riverside scenery is enchanting, earning it the name “Mist-Shrouded Willows along Thread River,” one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Kaiyuan.

In the north of the city, the Thread River gathers into a pool. In summer, the clear waters and blooming lotuses compete in beauty, fish swim playfully in the pond, small boats glide on the surface, and the evaporating mist looks like drifting clouds—visitors here feel as if they’ve entered a fairyland.

On its northern bank once stood the Temple of the Heavenly Emperor. Originally the residence of Han Wang Zhu Zhen, the fourth son of Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, the site also served as the military camp of Wushu of the Jin Dynasty during the Jin era. Enhanced with lotus flowers, emerald willows, Zhao’s Rainbow Bridge fishing spot, and water recreation activities, the Jinxiang River has been developed into a scenic area that combines natural beauty with historical culture.