Fen River Valley

The Fen River Valley, located in Shanxi province, northern China, is a significant area that has been an early center of Chinese civilization. The Fen River itself originates in the Guancen Mountains and flows southeast through the Taiyuan basin before heading southwest to join the Huang He (Yellow River) near Hejin. Its total length is about 435 miles (700 km).1

The valley encompasses diverse geographical sections, including a plateau, the cultivated Taiyuan basin, and a central valley with smaller basins. While the river's steep gradients and rapids limit its use as a waterway, some junk traffic is possible in its lower reaches. The region around Taiyuan features extensive irrigation systems, such as the Guanghui Canal.1

Historically, the Fen River valley was a crucial route connecting Beijing to Shanxi province and onward to Central Asia. The city of Linfen, situated on the Fen River, has a history dating back to prehistoric cultures and settlements from the Shang dynasty. It was once believed to be the capital of the legendary Emperor Yao and served as an important administrative center through various Chinese dynasties. Despite damage during conflicts like World War II, the area has since been rebuilt and developed industrially, particularly with coal production and manufacturing.2