"Near a small river" in Engpsh can be expressed as "near a stream".
The word "stream" is a noun that refers to a small river. It comes from the Old Engpsh word "stream" which means a flow of water.
Example sentences:
She loves to go for a walk near a stream.
她喜欢在小河旁散步。
The sound of the stream is soothing to the ears.
小河的声音使人耳朵感到舒服。
There's a great fishing spot near the stream.
附近有一个很好的钓鱼地点。