" Time is like a RIVER. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your LIFE "
" LIFE passes just like the water in a RIVER "
" There are so many times in one's LIFE, when one feels he has nothing more to offer. But no, my river has not run dry "
Picturesque, historical, mother rivers, man made canals, stone bridges, border frontiers, trans-boundary, agriculture, eco, social & economic developments, water villages, trade routes, irrigation & farming, hydroelectric dam ....... the might of rivers & the importance of river cities & towns to a nation & it's immense contribution to the well being of it's people … travelling enhances my knowledge of the world, the people and the environment we lived with !
River Towns & it's Magnificent Rivers
My home country & city - Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia
Klang & Gombak Rivers - Klang river's confluence with Gombak river gave rise to the name of Kuala Lumpur which means "muddy estuary". Klang town, located 33km from Kuala Lumpur is named after the Klang river.
Over the last 10 years, I visited a number of river towns in Asia & Europe famed for retaining their old charm, picturesque, filled with traditional oriental & western architecture, rich heritage buildings, scenic waterside walkways, traditional bridges, striking natural beauty & landscape etc.
Here are some of the photos of river towns / cities I visited in recent years and look forward to seeing a few more of these interesting river towns / cities in other parts of the world in the coming years !
1) Historic City of Melaka, Malaysia (UNESCO) - 2016
Melaka River, Melaka, Malaysia - this river which flows through the middle of the Malacca city in Peninsula Malaysia, was an important trade route for spice trade during the reign of the Malacca sultanate in the 15th century. The Portuguese, Dutch & British had great influence in the development of Malacca from the 15th to 19th century.
2) Singapore City - 2016
Singapore River - The mouth of Singapore river was the old port of Singapore. Sir Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore in 1819 and saw the importance of the Singapore river hence great efforts were put in to develop Singapore which now emerged as one of the most busiest port in the world.
3) Bangkok, Capital of Thailand - 2007, 2016 & 2017
Mae Nam Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, Thailand - Mae in Thai means "mother" & Nam is "water". Chao Phraya means the chief river in the Kingdom of Siam or river of Kings. Hitherto, this river generates a lot of tourism revenue & activities surrounding the city of Bangkok.
4) Kanchanaburi & the Bridge over the River Kwai, Thailand (2016)
River Kwai, Kanchanaburi, Thailand - The original name is Khwae Noi or Khwae Sai Yok, a river in the western Thailand. River Kwai was made famous after the filming of "The Bridge on the River Kwai". During the 2nd World War, thousands of Australian, Dutch & British prisoners of war captured by the Japanese army lost their lives when constructing two bridges across the River Kwai as part of the Burma railway, also called the Railway of Death
5) Water Village, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (2016)
Sungei Brunei (Brunei River) - the shortest river in the country, Both the Istana (Palace) Nurul Iman & Kampong Ayer (Water Village) are situated on the Brunei river banks
6) Otaru, Hokkaido - Japan (2015)
Otaru Canal, Otaru, Japan - during the 20th century was a busy port in Hokkaido. Due to a lack of docking facilities then, Otaru canal was built to allow the transportation of goods from larger vessels to smaller boats, to be uploaded to the warehouses along the canal. Since the 1980's, Otaru canal has become a major tourist attraction & a main site of the Snow Light Path Festival in the town. A great place for tourists to take an evening stroll when the old fashioned gas lamp are lit up at night !
7) Old Town Hoi An, Vietnam (UNESCO) - 2014
Thu Bon River, Hoi An, Vietnam - Thu Bon Valley was a center of Champa culture from 700 till the Vietnamese conquest in 1471. Thu Bon river is in central Vietnam and is a chief source of livelihood for residents in Hoi Ann. During the 16th & 18th century, Hoi Ann was a fishing town & also a popular international trading post for merchant ships bound to and from China and other countries. Many of their current residents are descendants of the traders & merchants of yesteryears. The remains of the ancient port, the picturesque waterways can be seen along the river.
8) Complex of Hue Monuments (UNESCO), Vietnam - 2014
Perfume River, Hue, Vietnam- this river crosses the city of Hue in central Vietnam. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upriver from Hue fall into the river giving the river a perfume like aroma hence it is called the Perfume river.
9) Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Village, Shanghai, China (2015)
River Canals in Zhujiajiao, Shanghai, China - Zhujiajiao was an ancient water village formed 1,700 years ago, also an important trading hub for surrounding countryside. In the old days, goods like rice & cloths & people were ferried on small canals from house to house connecting 38 ancient stone bridges. Many of old buildings were built during the Ming & Qing dynasties. Today, Zhujiajiao is a popular tourist destination in Shanghai
10) Amsterdam, Capital of Netherlands (UNESCO) - 2009
Canals in Amsterdam, Netherlands - Amsterdam has over 100km of canals, 90 islands & 1,500 bridges. The city is also called the "Venice of the North". A few of these main canals were dug in the 17th century. Alongside the canals, there are some 1,550 monumental buildings.
11) Venice, Italy (UNESCO) - 2011
Grand Canal in Venice, Italy - The banks of Grand Canal are lined with 170 buildings dating back to the 13th-18th century. The Grand Canal forms one of the major water traffic corridor in the city. Locals use water buses & water taxis to move around places and for tourists, most enjoy the Gondola rides.
12) Florence, Italy 2011
River Arno in Florence, Italy - River Arno is an important river in the Tuscany region of Italy. The river crosses Florence and passes below the Ponte Vecchio & Santa Trinita bridge. The river flooded Florence regularly and the last major flood was in 1966.
13) London (England), Capital of United Kingdom (2009-2010, 2012 & 2014)
River Thames in London, United Kingdom - The Thames is 346km, the 2nd longest river in United Kingdom. The Thames was a tributary of the Rhine. London's fame & fortune is due to River Thames, an important trade & transport route since the olden days.
14) Paris, Capital of France (2011-2012, 2014)
Seine River in Paris, France - Seine is a 777km long river in northern France. It is an important commercial waterway within the Paris basin. There are 37 bridges within Paris, dozens spanning the river outside of the city.
15) Budapest, Capital of Hungary (UNESCO) - 2009 & 2017
River Danude in Budapest, Hungary - The Danude is Europe's 2nd longest river, after the Volga River. Originating in Germany, this river flows through 10 countries in Europe. River Danude was once upon a time a long standing frontier of the Roman Empire.
16) Stockholm, Capital of Sweden (2011)
River canals in Stockholm, Sweden - The popular canal tour takes you from the city to the picturesque Djugarden Canal passing through historic buildings, museums & green areas
17) Copenhagen, Capital of Denmark - 2010
Canals in Copenhagen, Denmark - A cruise along Copenhagen's canals from Nyhavn, Gammel Strand & the harbor area covering main sights eg the Opera House, Christiansborg Palace, Little Mermaid, National Museum etc
18) Prague, Capital of Czech Republic ( UNESCO) - 2009 & 2017
Vitara River, Prague - the river flows through the center of Prague and is the waterway around which the city has developed over the thousand years. On both sides of the river banks lie the Old Town (Stare Mesto), New Town (Nove Mesto), Lesser Town (Mala Strana), the magnificent Prague Castle & Charles Bridge etc. From the Charles Bridge, you can have a panoramic view of the Vitara river & historic buildings along the river banks.
19) Riga, Capital of Latvia (2009)
Daugava River, Riga - originates from Valdai Hills, Russia flowing through Russia, Belarus, Latvia & ends in the Gulf of Riga. The total length is 1,020km. This river has been a trade route since the old Viking days.
20) Moscow, Russia (2009)
Mosva River, Moscow - this river of Western Russia is 503km long. After passing through central & south east of Moscow, it ultimately flows in Caspian Sea. It freezes in Nov-Dec and thaws in late March. Moscow is named after the river.
21) Cairo (Capital) & Luxor, Egypt (2008)
River Nile in Egypt - 2nd longest river in the world, 6,853km long. Amazon river is No 1. Nile is a major north flowing river in north east Africa, flowing through 11 countries in Africa. Nile is a primary water source of Egypt & Sudan.
Irrawaddy River in Yangon - Myanmar's longest river, flowing from north to south before emptying in Irrawaddy Delta into the Andaman Sea. Rice is produced in Irrawaddy Delta, irrigated by water from the river. An important commercial waterway for trade & transport since the 6th century till now.
22) Vang Vieng, Laos - 2017
Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, Laos - a small river in Laos flowing through the Vang Vieng town, a popular tourist destination especially for people loves riding kayak, tubing from upstream etc. The river is surrounded by karst rock formation and the river banks have a number of bars & restaurants for entertainment in the evening.
23) Ayutthaya (UNESCO) Thailand - 2008 & 2017
Mae Nam Chao Phraya River, Ayutthaya, Thailand - Ayutthaya is an island at the confluence of 3 rivers ie the Chao Phraya, the Lopburi & Pa Sak river. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya became the 2nd capital of Siam after Sukhothai. From the Ayutthaya train station, you can cross the river by small ferry boats to the island city center.
24) Hangzhou, China - 2015
The Grand Canal of Hangzhou, China - The Grand Canal, 1,764km long is the longest & greatest man-made waterway in ancient China, surpassing the Suez & Panama canal. Running from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province in the south to Beijing in the north, connecting different river system. The Grand Canal had contributed greatly to the local economies in past dynasties. Now more than 2,000 years old, some parts of the canals are still in use.
Qinhuai River of Nanjing, China - Qinhuai River is Nanjing's mother river and a branch of the Yangtze River. The river runs through the center of Nanjing. It's also the birthplace of the age-old Nanjing culture. The scenic belt along the river has become a major tourist attraction. The famous Confucius Temple is one of the most visited tourist attraction in Nanjing. Many small shops, bars & restaurants cluster the area.
26) Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China - 2015
Yellow River (Huang He) in Lanzhou, China - Lanzhou is the capital & largest city of Gansu in North West China. Historically, it has been a major link on the Northern Silk Road. This city is located on the banks of the Yellow river, a key regional transport hub. The Yellow river flows through from west to east. The Yellow River Mother Sculpture & waterwheels are the notable landmarks in Lanzhou.
Yangtze River, China - also known in China as "Chang Jiang" meaning long river. Yangtze river is the longest river in Asia and 3rd longest in the world. It plays a big role in the history, culture & economy of China as its river flows through one fifth of the land in China. It's river basin is home to one third of the country's population.
28) Shanghai City, China - 2002, 2010, 2015, 2018
Huangpu River of Shanghai, China - Huangpu river, 113km long, is a branch of Yangtze river. Tourist enjoying taking the Huangpu river cruise starting from the Bund and goes upstream. The famous Oriental Pearl TY Tower, the tallest in Asia is located near the river bank. The west bank of the river has many western style buildings whereas the east bank has many skyscrapers.
29) Guangzhou, Guangdong, China - 2004 & 2015
Pearl River of Guangzhou, China - At 2,214km long the Pearl river is the 3rd largest river spanning 8 provinces in China. It is so called because it contains a stone island resembling a huge pearl, polished by the constantly flowing water of the river. The night cruise on Pearl river is very popular to the tourists.
30) Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China - 2011 & 2015
Song Hua Jiang River, Heilongjiang, China - the largest tributary of the Amur river. It flows about 1,434km from the Changbai mountain on the China & North Korea border passing through Jilin & Heilongjiang provinces. In winter, the river is frozen hard with ice and ideal for all kinds of ice sports ie skating, horse drawn sleighs, ice sailing etc.
31) Tumen, Jilin Province, China (2015)
Tumen river, Jilin, China - a 521km long river that serves as part of the boundary between China, North Korea & Russia. In the 1990's, there were a number of illegal crossings by North Korea refugees using Tumen river to cross over to China. The bridge of Tumen river was built in 1941 linking the China & North Korea border. The North Korea town over the other side of the Tumen river is Namyang.
32) Yanji, Jilin Province, China (2015)
Along River & Yan He, Yanji, Jilin, China - Yanji is also known as the Third Korea as many of the residents here are descendants of Korea. The main river is Along river and the 2nd river is Yan He which gives its name to the city, Yanji. The gateway across the Along River is a new modern styled suspension bridge with two intertwining arches.
33) Dandong, Liaoning Province, China (2015)
Yalu Jiang River, Dandong, LIaoning, China - bordering China & North Korea, also called Amnok river. The river has been the site of several battles because of its strategic location between Korea & China. The Broken bridge upstream is a popular tourist attraction. The day cruise along the Yalu Jiang river allows you to catch a glimpse of North Korean country side located opposite of the Yanji city.
33) Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang Province, China (2015)
Mudan River, Heilongjiang, China - The city of Mudanjiang is named after the Mudan river or Peony river in the Heilongjiang province. The river is a right tributary of the Sungari that flows into Lake Jingpo.
34) Heihe, Heilongjiang Province - bordering China & Russia (2015)
Heihe River, Heilongjiang bordering China & Russia - Heihe means Black river. Heihe river basin is the 2nd largest inland river basin of China. It is situated in the arid north west of China, extending over the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu & Inner Mongolia.
35) Suifenhe, Heilongjiang Province, China (2015)
Suifenhe River, Heilongjiang bordering China & Russia - Suifenhe town shares it's name with the Suifenhe river. The Chinese railway crosses the border to Vladivostok, a naval port in Eastern Russia
36) Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang), Yunnan Province, China (2014)
Jinsha & Yangtze River, Yunnan, China - Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha river, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze river, one of the most famous & longest river in the world. It travels a total distance of 6,418km
37) Kangding County, Sichuan Province, China (2014)
Zheduo & Yala River, Kangding, Sichuan, China - Kangding has been the historical border between Tibet & China. The raging Zheduo river flows through the city and converges with Yala river in another part of the city. In the city center, you can hear the roaring sound of this fast flowing Zheduo river during the day & night !
38) Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO), Yunnan Province, China (2014 & 2019)
Jade river, canals & waterways, Lijiang, Yunnan, China - the old city of Lijiang is 800 years old built during the Song dynasty. The city has numerous canals & waterways and the water sources are from Jade river which flows along the old town streets.
39) Guilin, Yunnan Province, China (2005)
Li River (Lijiang), Guangxi, China - a river in Guangxi which flows 83km from Guilin to Yangshou, where the karst mountain and river sights highlight the famous Li river cruise. The Li river cruise is one of the "World's Top 10 Watery Wonders" .
40) Fenghuang Ancient City, Hunan Province, China (2012)
Tuo Jiang River, Fenghuang Ancient City, Hunan, China - 131km long, the biggest river within the county, the ancient city wall is situated on the south bank of the river, the east & north has the two ancient city towers. Many of the hundred years old houses along the river were built on stilts. This mother river has been feeding the Fenghuang people from generations to generations.
41) Tianjin City, China (1997, 2009 & 2010)
Hai River, Tianjin, China (2012) - 1,329km long, Hai river is formed by the confluence of 5 rivers ie south canal, Ziya river, Daqing river, Yongding river & north canal. The Hai river cruise starts from Tianjin Railway station passing Jiefang bridge, Wenhua street, Shizilin bridge & Dabei Temple.
Mekong River, Cambodia - Mekong is a trans-boundary river in South East Asia, the world 12th longest river & 7th longest in Asia, estimated length is 4,350km. From the Tibetan plateau, the river runs through China's Yunnan province, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam.
43) Solo, Java Indonesia - 2009
Solo River, Java, Indonesia - also called Bengawan Solo, the river is 600km long, the largest river in Java. An important river to the inhabitants & farmlands of eastern & northern Java. There is a well known song "Bengawan Solo" composed by Mr Gesang, a famous singer & song writer in Solo during the World War 11.
44) Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia - 2009
Angara River, Irkutsk, Siberia, Russia - Angara river is in Siberia, about 1,779km long. It is the largest right tributary of the Yeniser river, the only river flowing out of Lake Baikal. 3 hydropower plants were built on this river.
45) Cesky Krumlov (UNESCO), Czech Republic - 2009
Vitava River, Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic - 430km long, the largest river within Czech Republic. It runs south east along the Bohemian Forest and the north across Bohemia through Cesky Krumlov, Cesky Budejovice & Prague.
46) La Vella, Andorra (2014)
Gran Valira River, La Vella, Andorra - the biggest river in Andorra. It flows through the capital, La Vella and exits the country in the south near the Spain-Andorra border crossing.
47) Amman, Capital of Jordan (2008)
Jordan river & Dead Sea - Jordan river, 251km long is in the Middle East flowing north to south through the Sea of Galilee and on to the Dead Sea. The river has a major significance in Judaism & Christianity. The Dead Sea is a salt lake bordering east of Jordan and Israel & Palestine on the west. The Dead Sea is 50km long & 15km wide and it's a main tributary of the Jordan river.
Liffey River, Dublin, Ireland - Liffey river flows through the center of Dublin and supplies much of Dublin's water & a range of recreation opportunities. From east to west, there are over 20 bridges over the Liffey river, the famous ones are Samuel Beckett bridge, O'Connell bridge, Talbot Memorial bridge etc
Quadalquivir River, Cordoba, Spain - this river is 657km long, the 5th longest in the Iberian Peninsula & the 2nd longest river in Spain. Currently the river navigates to Seville. The Roman bridge of Cordoba is a bridge in the historic centre of Cordoba, originally built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river.
50) Oslo, Capital of Norway (2011)
Akerselva River, Oslo, Norway - The Akerselva river, 8km long is a cradle of Norway's industrialization in the 2nd half of the 19th century. Back then, the river gave power to sawmills, textile factories & mechanical workshops. Many of the old factory buildings along the river have been refurbished and now houses cafes, galleries, schools & offices.
51) Sarajevo, Capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina (2011 & 2019)
Bosna River, Sarajevo, Bosnia - The Bosna river gave its name to the country and is the longest river in Bosnia. It stretches through central Bosnia, from its source near Sarajevo to Sava in the north. The Sava river is the largest in Bosnia.
52) Port Said, Egypt (2008)
Suez Canal of Egypt - The Suez canal is an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of Suez. The canal was constructed by Suez Canal Company between 1859 & 1969 and it's length is 193km.
River at Myrdal, Norway - The 20km long high altitude train journey from Flam to Myrdal (866m above sea level) crosses the valley and the river three times. Taking this train ride, you can see the most magnificent scenery in Norway ie stunning Fjord landscape, snow capped peaks, waterfall, lush green pastures etc
54) Kyoto, Japan - 2008, 2010 &2017
55) Leh & Ladakh, Northern India (2006)
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| Lamayuru Gompa |
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| Morning market in Old Leh |
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| A panorama view of Leh town |
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| Shanti Stupa |
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| Shops in Leh / Ladakh |
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| Pangong Tso Lake, Northern India / Tibet border |
Indus & Zanskar Rivers in Leh & Ladakh, India - The two major rivers in Ladakh are Indus River & Zanskar River. Indus river originates in the Tibetan Plateau near Lake Mansarovar and runs a course through the Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltisan & flows through Pakistan and ends in the Arabian Sea. Zanskar River is one of the most exciting river rafting site in India & the river passes through the Zanskar Canyon.
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| Merging of Indus & Zanskar Rivers |
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| The Himalaya Team |
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| Glacier in Zanskar Canyon |
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| Icy cold water |
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| A valley near Leh / Ladakh |
56) Chengdu, Capital of Sichuan Province, China (2009, 2012 & 2014)
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| Qingyang Temple |
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| Mt Emei |
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| Panda Breeding Center, Changdu |
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| Kuanzhai Alley (Broad & Narrow Alley) |
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| Leshan Big Buddha |
Min Jiang River of Dujiangyan, Sichuan, China - The world's greatest ancient water irrigation project built by Li Bing, the governor of the Shu Prefecture during the warring state period in the 3rd century BC. This water conservation & flood control project benefitted 10 million acres of land in Sichuan by diverting the fast flowing Min Jiang River into irrigation canals engineered by Li Bing.
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| Dujiangyan Dam, Chengdu |
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| Min Jiang River |
57) Kyoto, Japan (2017)
Katsura & Hozu Rivers. Kyoto, Japan - The Katsura is a continuation of two rivers, the Hozu river & the Oi river, which emerges from the nearby mountains & expand into a shallow, slow flowing river into the Togetsukyo (the Moon Crossing) Bridge in Arashiyama. The surrounding is notable for its cherry blossoms & autumn colors on the slope of Arashiyama. The Katsura River features some of the oldest shrines in Kyoto & Japan such as Matsuo shrine.
58) Luang Prabang Royal Town (UNESCO), Laos - 2011 & 2017
Mekong & Nam Khan Rivers in Luang Prabang, Laos - Luang Prabang town center is located at the confluence of the Mekong & Nam Khan rivers. Pou Si Hill in the city center is an ideal place to watch sun setting over the Mekong river. Tourists may opt for a 15 minute boat ride from Luang Prabang downstream to visit the Pottery Village, located opposite the bank of the Mekong river.
58) Salzburg, famed for the Sound of Music film shooting during the 60's in this Austrian city bordering the Germany with view of the Eastern Alps (2017)
Salzach River, Salzburg, Austria - A river in Austria & Germany, 225km long and eventually flows & joins with the Danube. The river's name is derived from the German word, Salz meaning salt. Salzburg city is divided by the Salzach river, with medieval & baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (old city) on its left bank, facing the 19th century Neustadt (new city) on its right. Altstadt is the birthp[lace of Mazart, a famous music composer.
59) Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol in western Austria, located in the Inn Valley (2017)
The Inn is a river in Switzerland, Austria & Germany. It is the right tributary of the Danube and is 517lm long. the highest point of its basin is the summit of Piz Bernina (4,049m). The Engadine, the valley of En is the only Swiss valley from which its water ends in the Black Sea
60) Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan is also one of the 8th Great Ancient Capital of China. The city lies on the south bank of the Yellow River. The Yellow River Scenic Area of Zhengzhou is a popular tourist site. (2017)
Yellow River (Huang he), Henan, China is the 3rd longest river in Asia after the Yangtze River & the Yenisei River; the 6th longest river system in the world at 5,464km. It flows through 9 provinces in China & its lower reaches passes from Zhengzhou to its mouth, a distance of 786km.
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| In 1952, Mao saw the importance of Yellow River |
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| The spot where Mao made an important statement |
61) Hukou Waterfall, Shanxi & Shaanxi border, China is the largest waterfall on the Yellow River, the 2nd largest waterfall in China after the Huangguoshu Waterfall; located in the intersection of the Shanxi & Shaanxi province. Hukou literally means "flask mouth" and when the water from the mountain flow downwards with such a high velocity and when it reaches a narrow opening on a cliff, you can see water like pouring down from a huge teapot ! (2017)
Yellow River, Shanxi & Shaanxi border, China - the middle reach of the Yellow River flow through the Jinxia Grand Canyon.
62) Yan'an is the endpoint of the Long March and became the center of the Red Army revolution from 1936-1948 & the birthplace of the revolution, also the strong hold of the Chinese Communists in northern Shaanxi
Yan River, Yan'an, China - stands on the south bank of Yan River in a basin surrounded by hills. It was a strategic town in historical times
63) Dubai is the largest and most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located on the south east coast of the Persian Gulf. UAE has 7 emirates that make up the country. Known for luxurious shopping, ultramodern architecture & lively nightlife. Burj Khalifah at 830m tall is one of the highest buildings in the world !
Dubai Creek, UAE is a saltwater creek located in Dubai, it is also a part of the new Dubai canal extending through to the Persian Gulf. Creek is a stretch of water flowing inland from a coast. The Creek divided the Dubai city into 2 main sections ie Deira & But Dubai. In the olden days, Dubai Creek serves as a minor port for dhows coming from India & East Africa. Dhows are ships with one mass used along the coast of Arab countries.
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