Henan is a landlocked province in central China, on the middle Yellow River, that held the capitals of several dynasties. It is home to the Shaolin Temple, the Longmen Grottoes, the Shang dynasty Yin Ruins and Song dynasty Kaifeng, all linked by fast high-speed rail from Zhengzhou.
Henan nightlife is more cultural than clubby: Kaifeng and Luoyang light up with night markets and Song and Tang dynasty shows, while Zhengzhou has the Jingliu Road bar strip, Erqi malls and Zhengdong CBD hotel bars.
Zhengzhou is the biggest scene; Luoyang and Kaifeng focus on heritage night markets and shows.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- Bars 9PM-1AM on Friday and Saturday; night markets 7-10PM; shows 7:30-9PM
- Average drink
- Beer ¥15-40 (approx USD 2-6); cocktail ¥50-100 (approx USD 7.50-15); club entry ¥0-100 (approx USD 0-15)
- Dress code
- Smart casual at bars and clubs; casual at night markets; dressy at opera or concerts
- Cover charge
- Nightlife closes earlier than in Shanghai or Beijing; most bars wind down by 2AM.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Zhengzhou Jingliu Road
Zhengzhou's main bar and club strip with pubs and dance venues
Best for: Beer, expats, dancing
Zhengzhou Erqi and Wanda area
Late-opening malls, food courts and chain pubs
Best for: Casual evenings
Luoyang Old Town
Lijingmen, Shizi Street and Luoyi Old Town at night
Best for: Night food and Tang shows
Kaifeng Gulou and Song city
Night market plus Song dynasty performances
Best for: Snacks and culture
Luoyang South Zhujiang Road
Busy strip of bars and cafes in the new city
Best for: Local nightlife
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Target Pub Zhengzhou
Long-running pub on Zhengzhou's Jingliu Road bar street, popular with expats and English speakers.
Known for: Imported beer and pub food
Jingliu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou
Beer Factory Zhengzhou
Bar on Zhengzhou's Jingliu Road with a large imported and craft beer selection.
Known for: Imported and local beers
Jingliu Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou
Helen's Bar Zhengzhou (Erqi Wanda)
Chain pub with an Erqi Wanda branch, affordable and popular with students and backpackers.
Known for: Relaxed pub, burgers and beer
Erqi Wanda Plaza area, Erqi District, Zhengzhou
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Tang Palace Night Banquet (Luoyang)
Immersive Tang dynasty banquet with palace dances and costumes in Luoyang's old town.
Cover: Ticket included
Hours: Evening session about 7-9PM; booking recommended
Luoyang Old City Cross Street Night Market
Lively night food market of more than 200 stalls in Luoyang's old quarter.
Cover: Free
Hours: Daily about 5PM-11PM
Kaifeng Gulou Night Market
Kaifeng's famous night market at Gulou Square; one of China's best-known food streets.
Cover: Free
Hours: Daily about 5PM-midnight
Shaolin Zen Music Grand Ceremony
Outdoor evening spectacle at Shaolin combining Zen music, monks and light effects.
Cover: Ticket ¥200+
Hours: Evening performances, mainly Apr-Oct; verify schedule
Shanshaan-Gansu Guild Hall Yu Opera
Historic guild hall stage in Kaifeng where Yu opera is staged for visitors.
Cover: Entry ticket about ¥30-50
Hours: Daily afternoon and evening shows; check on site
Henan Art Center (Zhengzhou)
Zhengzhou's major performing arts venue with opera, orchestral and touring shows.
Cover: Ticket only
Hours: Shows mostly 7:30PM; check Damai
Luoyi Ancient City Night Light Tour
Old-town light show and night tours around Luoyi Ancient City, including Tang dynasty theatre scenes.
Cover: Ticket varies
Hours: Daily about 6:30PM-10PM
Kaifeng Millennium City Park Evening Shows
Riverside park recreating Qingming Shanghe Tu scenes with evening performances.
Cover: Park ticket
Hours: Daily 8AM-9PM; evening shows in season
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Buy cultural show tickets in advance on Meituan, Trip.com or Damai
Keep small change for street vendors
Ask for the drinks menu with prices before ordering in pubs
Book Luoyang Tang shows a day ahead in April peony season
Arrange return transport by DiDi before leaving a show