In this study, we highlighted the roles of TMEM161B‐AS1 in ESCC development, progression and prognosis and demonstrated that TMEM161B‐AS1 blocked cell proliferation, invasion and glycolysis of ESCC cells by absorbing miR‐23a‐3p to enhance HIF1AN expression, further eliciting the inhibition of glycolysis‐related proteins. The gene discussed is HIF1AN; the disease is esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.