Abstract: In order to assure normal running of the project and to effectively increase utilization efficiency for the water transfer from south to north, it is necessary to establish water right institution and water market. Based on the theory and practice of water right management and water marketat home and abroad, the initial water right allocation, the mechanism of water right trade and water market running and the institutional frame in water transfer project across river basins were studied. With water transfer project over different basins as an example the methods of first water right allocation and three classes water market in water transfer project across river basins were put forward. Moreover, water trade price, running mode of water market and some related problems were discussed.
Key words: wat