During the upcoming Spring Festival period starting from January 7, 2004, about 680,000 passengers will travel by ship on China's longest river, the Yangtze River, according to resources with the Ministry of Communications Tuesday.

The period will be the first travel surge for the Three Gorges after the permanent ship lock, the world's largest, was built.

The increasing number of migrant workers going home will challenge the capacity of shipping companies along the river.

According to the Yangtze River shipping bureau under the ministry of communication, more than 137 passenger ships will be used for the transport task, which can seat about 56,357 passengers in all.

In addition, a joint spring season transport leading group, composed of all local shipping sectors along the river, will also be set up to ensure safety and efficiency.

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