[Objectives]  To determine the effects of different kinds of honeybee hives on honey production in Apis cerana cerana Fabricius. [Methods]  A field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of 3 different kinds of hives on honey production by A. c. cerana in Southern Gansu during the primary nectar-flow period. [Results]  The greatest quantities of honey were produced in standard hives at all 4 experimental sites but the best quality honey was produced in original hives. The honey produced in “ecological hives” was intermediate with respect to both quantity and quality. Honey was collected from standard hives slightly more often than from the other two hive types. Hive type had a significant effect on honey quantity, quality and the frequency of honey collection. However, altitude and nectar plants did not significantly affect these 3 variables. [Conclusion]  Selection of hive types for A. c. cerana should be based on a consideration of the local environment, including nectar plants, local apicultural practices and honeybee ecology.