lienha

Lienha is a fictional city-state commonly used in world-building and speculative fiction. It is depicted as a cosmopolitan port city located at the delta of the Lian River on the eastern coast of the continent of Aridia, serving as a hub for traders, scholars, and artisans.

Etymology and name: The name Lienha is attributed to the ancient Lien language and is said to mean "waterway guardian" or "watcher of rivers," a reflection of the city’s dependence on waterways and transit.

Geography and economy: Lienha sits on a network of canals and islets, with a warm, humid climate that supports year-round commerce. Its economy emphasizes trade, shipbuilding, textiles, and crafts, with markets trading spices, timber, dyes, and ceramics.

History and governance: The city is described as rising as a trading nexus in early centuries, reaching a maritime peak during a confederation era, and later facing upheavals and reconsolidation. Lienha is usually depicted as governed by a council of guildmasters, supported by elected magistrates and a customary legal code.

Culture and landmarks: Lienha is celebrated for its labyrinthine canals, lantern-lit squares, and oral-lore traditions, along with mural art and sea-shanty music. Notable sites include the Grand Canal Bridge, the Lantern Market, and the Academy of Lira, which trains navigators and scholars.