Something that is moving up-river is moving towards the source of a river, from a point down the river. Something that is up-river is towards the source of a river.
例句
Heavy goods could be brought up-river in barges...较重的货物可用驳船运到上游。He has a house down there but it's miles up river...他在那里有一栋房子，但在河上游几英里处。