When we think of ancient China, the image that often comes to mind is one of serene landscapes, scholars with scrolls, and peasants toiling under the sun. But what happened when the sun dipped below the horizon? Did life simply stop when night fell? Surprisingly, the answer is far more intriguing. From moonlit storytelling in rural villages to dazzling entertainment in bustling cities, ancient China’s nightlife—though bound by oil lamps and imperial laws—offers a colorful reflection of its social fabric.
Life by the Clock: The “Human Settling” Hour
Ancient China followed a 12-hour system known as the shichen (时辰), established as early as the pre-Qin period. Each shichen lasted approximately two modern hours. Among these, the “Hai” hour (亥时)—from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.—was also called “rending” (人定), meaning the time when people were expected to settle down for the night. For the vast majority of the population—especially in agricultural communities—this was when daily life ended.
Without modern electricity, lighting was a luxury. Oil lamps and candles were prohibitively expensive. In fact, candles only became accessible to commoners during the late Ming and Qing dynasties. As such, the famous image of “burning the midnight oil” to study was mostly reserved for the wealthy elite.
Nightlife in the Countryside: Moonlight and Memories
So how did ordinary people spend their evenings? In rural areas, most simply went to bed after sundown. But on nights when the moon was bright or sleep was elusive, families gathered under the soft moonlight to talk. This communal chatting took two forms: jiang gu (讲古)—telling tales of history, moral lessons, and life advice—and jiang baihua (讲白话)—sharing humorous gossip, risqué jokes, and ghost stories.
Storytelling played a crucial role in passing down oral traditions and social values. Elders, revered for their knowledge, would recount tales from history, explaining etiquette, customs, and societal norms. As the proverb says, “If elders don’t speak of the past, the young will lose their way.” These nighttime sessions weren’t just for entertainment; they were informal classrooms where culture was passed on.
Then came the livelier side of the evening—jiang baihua. Full of local gossip, laughter, and the occasional bawdy joke or ghostly tale, this was where entertainment met human curiosity. Even without modern media, people found ways to entertain themselves, bond as families, and satisfy their love for the unusual and the humorous.
The Urban Divide: Life Beyond the Village
Life in ancient cities was somewhat livelier—but only to a point. Before the Tang dynasty, venturing outside at night was risky and illegal. Strict curfews, known as the yejin zhi du (夜禁制度), governed city life after dark. According to Tang legal codes, those caught breaking curfew could be flogged. And this wasn’t just idle threat—during the Eastern Han, powerful eunuch Jian Shuo’s uncle was executed by Cao Cao for violating curfew, setting a precedent for strict enforcement.
Why such harsh restrictions? Fear of crime and rebellion. The curfews were designed to protect social order and preserve the emperor’s authority. As darkness made it easier for unrest to stir, night became the domain of silence, interrupted only by the sound of patrolling guards striking wooden clappers to mark the hours and alert residents to fire or theft.
However, these restrictions began to loosen in the mid-to-late Tang period, particularly in the vibrant city of Yangzhou. Historians believe Yangzhou was the first city to quietly phase out the night curfew, thanks to its booming economy and growing trade activity. This laid the groundwork for the city life renaissance that would follow.
A City That Never Slept: Nightlife Flourishes in the Song Dynasty
By the Song dynasty, the nightlife of urban China had fully awakened. In the capital city of Kaifeng, the end of daylight signaled not rest, but recreation. The city transformed into a glowing metropolis where night markets and entertainment hubs buzzed with life well into the early hours of the morning.
According to Dreams of Splendor of the Eastern Capital (Dongjing Menghua Lu), Song-dynasty Kaifeng was home to hundreds of entertainment venues. Streets were lined with taverns, teahouses, music halls, and performers of every kind. Decorative gateways and lanterns lit up the thoroughfares, giving the city a surreal, dreamlike aura. Women in elaborate makeup performed dances and songs, captivating the crowds.
One of the busiest streets, Ma Hang Jie (马行街), was famous for its sensory overload—flickering lights, dense crowds, and plumes of smoke from sizzling food stalls. In a peculiar detail that seems almost poetic, it’s said that even mosquitoes avoided the place because of the abundance of lamp oil in the air.
There, you could have your fortune told, get a shave, buy painted scrolls, listen to storytellers narrate epics, or simply enjoy street performances. And all of it was affordable—just twenty wen (cash coins) could get you a good meal, the equivalent of about 10 RMB today.
This unprecedented urban nightlife scene lasted nearly three centuries. It wasn’t just entertainment; it represented a cultural shift—one where the boundaries between night and day blurred, and people from various social strata mingled in public spaces under the stars.
When the Lights Went Out: The Return of the Night Curfew
But all golden ages come to an end. The Mongol-led Yuan dynasty reinstated night curfews as a method of control, and the Ming and Qing dynasties followed suit. The brilliant nightscapes of Song cities dimmed once more, and people returned to early evenings and quiet nights.
Yet within the walls of wealth and power, the party never truly stopped.
Nightlife Behind Closed Doors: The Privilege of the Elite
For the aristocracy, night was not for sleep but for splendor. One of the most vivid examples of elite nocturnal life comes from the Southern Tang period with The Night Revels of Han Xizai—a famous handscroll painting by Gu Hongzhong. The artwork depicts Han Xizai, Minister of War, hosting a lavish nighttime banquet that lasted until dawn.
The scene bursts with detail: a pipa (Chinese lute) soloist plays to rapt attention; a dancer sways to the rhythm of “Liu Yao”; flutes and pipes create a musical tapestry. Among the guests are officials, scholars, even Buddhist monks—proving that not even religion could entirely resist the allure of nightlife.
For the upper class, the night was an extension of power, wealth, and leisure. Entertainment, music, dance, and conversation allowed the elite to display cultural sophistication—and perhaps subtly influence politics.
A Universal Truth: Nightlife Mirrors Inequality
From rural moonlit gossip to urban nightlife spectacles and aristocratic soirées, ancient China’s nightlife reflected a society deeply shaped by class and control. The wealthy could afford to light up the night—literally and figuratively—while the common folk often had little choice but to sleep early, save oil, and rely on the moon and stories for light.
Even so, within these constraints, ancient Chinese people found creative and communal ways to fill the hours of darkness—proving that the human need for connection, laughter, and even a little mischief does not fade with the setting sun.
Conclusion
While ancient China is often remembered for its daytime achievements—great walls, scholarly debates, imperial courts—the history of its nights reveals an equally compelling story. One of curfews and candlelight, of whispered legends and roaring music, of strict control and joyous resistance. Nightlife, in any era, is more than entertainment—it’s a window into the soul of a civilization.
And in the case of ancient China, that soul glowed softly under the watchful gaze of the moon.