Lanzhou travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
Lanzhou's nightlife is quiet by Chinese big-city standards because much of the population is Muslim and most restaurants do not serve alcohol. The best evening experiences are the night markets and riverside promenade; a handful of bars and live houses operate in Chengguan District.
Expect relaxed, local crowds, Xinjiang-style barbecue with cold beer, and small live-music rooms rather than large clubs.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Bars are busiest 21:00-01:00; the night market peaks 19:00-22:00.
- Average drink
- A local beer is about ¥10-20 ($1.40-2.80); cocktails about ¥40-70 ($5.50-10).
- Dress code
- Casual; no strict dress codes.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Gannan Road
Bar and barbecue strip just east of Zhengning Road.
Zhengning Road
Night market with beer-friendly stalls.
Binhe Road
Riverside promenade with lit bridges.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Gannan Road Bar Street
Known for: Cluster of bars, barbecue and live-music pubs east of Zhengning Road
Gannan Road, east of Zhengning Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou
Kui Live House (Jingning Road)
Known for: Late-night live music venue (verify it is still operating)
Jingning Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou
Zhengning Road Night Market evening walk
Known for: Evening street food and cold beer from stalls
Zhengning Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou
Binhe Road Riverside Night Promenade
Known for: Lit bridges, square dancing and river walks
Binhe Road, Zhongshan Bridge area, Lanzhou
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Gannan Road late barbecue and pubs
Hours: Daily 20:00-02:00
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Live music
Live shows are occasional; check venue WeChat accounts or Dianping for listings.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Beer and baijiu are available at night markets and barbecue places but not at halal noodle shops.
Taxis and DiDi are plentiful until about 01:00; Metro Line 1 stops around 22:00.
Carry your passport; some bars may ask for ID.