Golden City and the Dark River

I entered the Golden City, unbelievable, there is a dark river in the dry roseland. I walked slowly along the dark river, and gradually the river became golden yellow. I looked up and the golden city appeared!
No one, no creatures, the city is dead. I wonder who made these fires in the city? I tried to go to a brighter place, but the water became more and more viscous, like glue. I gave up the struggle and could only listen to the will of the river and go deeper....... May God bless!