Gansu is a long, narrow province in northwest China that follows the Hexi Corridor, the Silk Road passage between the Qilian Mountains and the Gobi. It joins the Yellow River city of Lanzhou, the Mogao Caves and Mingsha dunes at Dunhuang, the Ming fort at Jiayuguan, the rainbow Danxia hills of Zhangye, and the Tibetan monasteries of Xiahe and Langmusi into one of China's richest cultural and landscape routes.
Gansu's night life is concentrated in two places: Lanzhou, where night markets, Yellow River riverside walks and a small craft-cocktail and bar scene give a lively but modest evening, and Dunhuang, where the Shazhou Night Market and a dance-drama show fill summer evenings. Elsewhere, such as Xiahe, Linxia and Tianshui, evenings are quiet: Muslim and Tibetan communities do not drink, and teahouses and street snacks are the main activity. Most venues close by about 1AM.
Low-key and food-centred: night markets, small cocktail and craft-beer bars in Lanzhou, tea houses in Tibetan areas, and cultural shows in Dunhuang.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Night markets 7PM-11PM; bars 9PM-1AM on Friday and Saturday
- Average drink
- Domestic beer CNY 10-25 (USD 1.5-4) in shops and CNY 20-50 (USD 3-7) in bars; cocktails CNY 50-90 (USD 7-13); Lanzhou craft beer CNY 30-60 (USD 4-9)
- Dress code
- Casual everywhere; smart-casual in cocktail bars. Cover shoulders and knees near mosques and monasteries, including in the evening.
- Cover charge
- Venue hours and phone numbers come from aggregator listings; confirm in a map app before going.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Zhengning Road Night Market, Lanzhou
Lanzhou's best-known night market, busy until around midnight
Best for: Street food, Hui snacks and people-watching
Gannan Road bar street, Lanzhou
A bar street just east of Zhengning Road with small bistros, highland barley wine and craft beer
Best for: A quiet drink, cocktails and live acoustic music
Zhongshan Bridge and Yellow River riverside, Lanzhou
The Zhongshan Iron Bridge (built 1909) and the Yellow River promenade are lit at night
Best for: Evening strolls, photography, river views
Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market
Dunhuang's main night market with food stalls and craft shops
Best for: Donkey-meat noodles, apricot-skin water and souvenirs
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Ginks Bar
A gin-focused cocktail bar in the Gannan Road bar area with a menu themed on the 24 solar terms; phone +86 180 0949 7747
Known for: Gin-based cocktails with a seasonal solar-term menu
79 Zhengjiatai, Gannan Middle Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
Nigroni Whisky Bar
A dimly lit whisky bar close to Zhengning Road, with professional bartenders; phone +86 180 0948 3086
Known for: Whisky and classic cocktails
59 Chenjiawanzi, Annex 4, Jingning South Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
Gannan Road Bar Street
A bar street east of Zhengning Road, popular with locals for small bistro tables, craft beer and highland barley wine
Known for: Craft beer, highland barley wine and small bistros
Gannan Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Zhengning Road Night Market
Lanzhou's main night market; halal stalls sell mutton skewers, sheep-offal soup and sweet snacks
Cover: Free entry
Hours: Daily approx. 6PM-midnight
Dunhuang Shazhou Night Market
A large night market with dozens of food stalls, craft stalls and local drinks
Cover: Free entry
Hours: Daily approx. 5PM-1AM in season; shorter hours in winter
Dunhuang Silk Road Flower Rain Dance Drama
A classic dance-drama inspired by Dunhuang murals, performed in Dunhuang; the venue and schedule should be confirmed on current listings
Cover: Tickets approx. CNY 200-400 / USD 30-59 (confirm)
Hours: Evening performances in season (confirm with the theatre)
Xiahe Labrang Street Tibetan Teahouses
Small teahouses and cafes along Labrang Street serving butter tea, Tibetan yoghurt and noodles; a quiet evening alternative to bars
Cover: Free entry
Hours: Daily approx. 8AM-9PM
Zhongshan Bridge Yellow River Night Walk
The Zhongshan Iron Bridge and the Yellow River promenade are lit at night, along with the Mother River sculpture
Cover: Free
Hours: Evenings until about 11PM
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Carry Alipay or WeChat Pay and some cash
Do not expect clubs outside Lanzhou
Check Dunhuang show schedules at the accommodation front desk the day before