In this study, the authors use the finite difference method as the main technique and the conventional methods of refraction data interpretation as auxiliary means in the interpretation of high-resolution shallow refraction data for active fault detection in Lanzhou area. After a comprehensive analysis of first-break refraction travel-time characteristics, the velocity structure and interface structure along each profile have been obtained. A detailed description of the detection results from SS04-1 and SS11-2 seismic profiles is presented in this paper. The results indicate that high-resolution seismic refraction is an effective replacement in areas where reflection seismic survey is hard to carry out.