During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District emerged as a vibrant crossroads of tradition and modernity. Over the course of eight days, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, offering an unforgettable mix of cultural performances, global cuisine, and festive celebrations that infused new life into Wuhan’s tourism scene.
The holiday festivities began on October 1 with the opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, which turned the resort into an open-air theater. Among its most captivating spectacles was The Grand Magician — China’s first stilt-walking fantasy performance — created by the acclaimed team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as mythical figures such as the white-robed wizard Harry, the elven sorceress Rachel, and the dark-cloaked Heron, performers dazzled the audience with their magical storytelling and graceful stilt movements.
“I’ve never witnessed such an incredible performance before,” said Zhao Yuyi, a tourist from Jiangxi. “Seeing the characters so close made it even more amazing!”
For Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who played the white wizard, performing at Ganlushan was an emotional experience. “Wuhan audiences are incredibly passionate,” he said. “And Ganlushan’s scenery adds a unique charm. I’m eager to explore the nearby Mulan area after the festival.”
The festive rhythm continued with the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of visitors gathered for a high-energy “hundred-person drumming party.” The beats of African drums echoed through the resort, symbolizing cross-cultural harmony. One of the highlights came when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, delivered a touching rendition of I Love You, China, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
The celebration of global culture extended to the International Gourmet Market, which featured over 40 specialty food stalls serving delicacies from around the world. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth is a favorite among Wuhan’s younger visitors,” shared Zhang Qibiao, the stall’s operator. “Ganlushan gives us a wonderful opportunity to share our food and culture with an even broader audience.”
As the Mid-Autumn Festival evening arrived, the resort glowed with warmth and color during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Visitors strolled beneath the moonlight holding glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns, taking photos and exchanging wishes for good fortune, family, and happiness.
The holiday period also brought record-breaking traffic to Ganlushan’s cultural and leisure facilities. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade facility, drew huge crowds of skiing enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue, calling it “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in China” and expressed confidence that Wuhan could one day host international-level snow sports events.
Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels were fully booked for most of the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who decided to move their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue, turning their ceremony into a magical mountain celebration with friends and family.
Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort stands as Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since opening, it has welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, evolving into a year-round, multi-experience destination for travelers of all ages.
A representative from the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism noted that the district is accelerating efforts to build a world-class “Mulan Tourism” brand. As one of its three core attractions, Ganlushan Resort continues to innovate and introduce new experiences that enhance the region’s global appeal.
The celebrations will continue later this month — from October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, a vibrant event featuring snow-themed games, interactive experiences, and festive parties. With its dynamic blend of culture, creativity, and celebration, Ganlushan is solidifying its place as one of China’s most exciting holiday destinations.
