Marcello Lippi's leaders did their bit at the weekend by beating Hangzhou 4-0 at home, but Luneng's win leaves them 11 points behind the leaders with four games still remaining.
Evergrande, who have a game in hand, travel to the second-placed side next weekend knowing that anything other than a defeat will see them crowned champions.
Lippi's men, who have lost just once in the league, took the lead through Zheng Long in the 41st minute and he doubled his tally six minutes into the second half.
Luneng kept the title race going for another week at least as two goals from Vagner Love, in the seventh and 84th minutes, came either side of Wang Yongpo's strike just after the hour mark.
Beijing Guoan occupy the third and final AFC Champions League spot after a 2-0 home win over Shanghai Shenhua, Peter Utaka's goals in the 45th and 56th minutes proving enough.
Zhang Wenzhao's goal in the 20th minute proved the winner as Yatai claimed their third win in four matches to leapfrog Qingdao Jonoon, who were thumped 6-1 at Shanghai SIPG.
Lu Lin gave the visitors the lead in the 71st minute, but Dabao's second goal five minutes later ensured the points were shared.
Elsewhere, Eleilson's fifth-minute goal gave Jiangsu Sainty a 1-0 home win over Liaoning Whowin.
