By using cross-section data on consumption structure of rural residents in Gansu Province in 2007 and 2008, this paper adopts ELES model to conduct empirical analysis on consumption structure of rural residents in Gansu Province It indicates that in the current consumption structure of rural residents in Gansu Province, food expenditure is still at the most important and basic level; me overall consumption level of rural residents in Gansu Province is not high; at present, the consumption of rural residents in Gansu Province still hinges in a large measure on income, vulnerable to the price fluctuation. Consequently, increasing farmers' income and stabilizing the level of commodity price, turns out to be a foundation as well as an important approach to improve consumption structure of rural residents in Gansu Province.