The work aims to uncover the cultural value inherent in canals through the analysis and organization of canal culture and explore how to enhance narrative map design by cultural translation methods and apply the methods to practical design, thus promoting the dissemination of canal culture. The canal culture was classified, organized and summarized from three cultural levels of material, institution, and spirit. Then, the cultural levels were correlated with narrative themes, scenes, and contexts in narrative map design according to different characteristics. Representative cultural elements were selected and translated into the language of narrative map design and translation processes for each cultural level were proposed. The practical design of the "Delight Talks about Canal" narrative map was carried out, creating a map that combined narrative and cultural elements and integrating geographical information with humanistic characteristics of canal culture. The narrative map design of canal culture, accomplished through cultural translation methods and narrative design principles, not only comprehensively quantifies canal culture but also diversifies the types of canal maps. This method effectively enhances the readability of canal culture, providing a new perspective for better inheritance of canal culture.