Addressing the lack of clear standards for the design of main dimensions in restricted canals, we focus on the upstream channel of the Madao Hub in the Pinglu Canal, conducting a demonstration research on its main channel parameters.On the basis of freight volume forecasts for 2035 and 2050 and using a 5, 000-ton class bulk carrier as the representative ship type, we systematically determine key parameters such as design speed, minimum water depth, minimum width, and bending radius through methods including the channel cross-sectional coefficient approach, calculation of navigation sinkage, and ship track width modeling.The proposed channel cross-section of 80 m (width) × 6.3 m (depth) with a bending radius of 360 m can ensure safe navigation of vessels at a speed of 11.96 km/h.This wide-shallow section design not only meets navigational safety and economic efficiency but also significantly reduces rock excavation volume and enhances the flexibility for future channel upgrades.