Constructing river ethics: A new paradigm for the harmonious coexistence between humans and rivers

River ethics encompasses the values, moral principles, and behavioral norms that govern and regulate the relationship between humans and rivers. Constructing rivers ethics breaks through the traditional ethical dimension that is limited to interpersonal judgment and extends the moral relationship from solely between humans to between humans and river life. China's eco‐civilization drive elucidates that harmony between humans and rivers are the core concept of constructing river ethics. This paper discusses the values, foundation, moral principles, and behavioral norms of river ethics, and forms the theoretical framework of river ethics.