Abstract: Facing the dual demands of intensifying global ecological crisis and the paradigm shift in river basin governance, river ethics emerges as a new theoretical framework, offering novel approaches to resolving river ecological crisis and promoting sustainable development. Through inter-disciplinary research, this paper contended that river ethics fell within the domain of ecological ethics under applied ethics. Building upon the existing understanding of rivers (as possessing life, value, rights, wisdom, virtue, and spirituality), it further expanded the connotation of rivers to include aesthetic and cultural dimensions. The paper elucidated the significance of river ethics from perspectives including ancient water management wisdom, Marxist ecological views, and the contemporary ecological civilization ethos. It preliminarily proposed the "Four Pillars and Eight Spheres" framework of river ethics, comprising four core values (revere rivers, respect rivers, care for rivers, protect rivers) and eight synergistic systems (ideological, legal, technological, governance, assessment, management, educational, and cultural systems). This framework aims to advocate for the recognition of humans and rivers as a life community, respect for the natural laws governing rivers, maintenance of river health, and ultimately, the realization of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The research outcomes can provide references for river ethics practices and are of great significance for strengthening river protection and governance in the new era.