To evaluate the occurrence and ecological risk of phenolic compounds in the Taiyuan section of Fen River, nine water samples were collected, and the concentrations of 11 phenolic compounds were determined using gas chromatography after liquid-liquid extraction. The ecological risk was assessed using the risk quotient method. As a result, the total concentrations of phenolic compounds in the samples ranged from 1.17 to 14.48 μg∙L–1, with a mean concentration of 5.27±4.29 μg∙L–1. Non-chlorinated phenolic compounds were predominant, comprising 64.3% to 95.1% of the total concentration, with 2-nitrophenol exhibiting the highest concentration, followed by phenol. The ecological risk assessment indicated that 2-nitrophenol and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol were the primary contributors to ecological risks in the Fen River, while the other phenolic compounds did not pose significant ecological threats. In conclusion, non-chlorinated phenols outnumbered chlorinated phenols, with 2-nitrophenol and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol identified as the priority pollutants. These findings may provide information for improved monitoring, development of pollution control strategies, and implementation of advanced treatment technologies to mitigate the impacts of phenolic pollutants on the water quality of the Fen River.