During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District came alive as a spectacular celebration of tradition, creativity, and global culture. Over the course of eight festive days, the resort attracted nearly 400,000 visitors, transforming into a cultural hub where Chinese heritage met international artistry — breathing new life into Wuhan’s holiday tourism scene.
The celebrations began on October 1 with the opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, a vibrant showcase of music, performance, and imagination. The event’s crown jewel was The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever fantasy stilt-walking show — produced by the acclaimed creative team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Performers dressed as mythical characters, including the white-robed wizard Harry, the elegant mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron, mesmerized audiences with their towering presence and theatrical storytelling.
“This is the first time I’ve seen such an incredible performance up close — it felt magical,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi.
For Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who portrayed the white wizard, performing at Ganlushan was a memorable experience. “Wuhan’s audience is always so passionate,” he said. “Ganlushan’s scenery makes this an extraordinary place to perform. I can’t wait to explore nearby attractions like the Mulan scenic area.”
Adding rhythm and excitement to the holiday was the African Drum Circle, which brought together hundreds of visitors in a “hundred-person drumming party.” Guests joined in creating joyful beats, uniting cultures through rhythm. The highlight came when Martin, an African PhD student studying in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, moving the crowd and receiving thunderous applause.
The International Gourmet Market offered visitors a global culinary journey, featuring more than 40 international food stalls. “Our Eastern European Kitchen has always been popular with young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the vendors. “Ganlushan gives us the perfect opportunity to share our food and culture with even more guests.”
As the Mid-Autumn Festival evening approached, the resort glowed beautifully during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival, where families and couples gathered beneath the full moon holding glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns. The warm lights, laughter, and festive energy created a picture-perfect celebration of reunion and harmony — the essence of the holiday itself.
Ganlushan’s attractions were packed throughout the week, with the Ganlushan International Ski Resort standing out as a major highlight. As Central China’s largest indoor, competition-grade ski facility, it drew crowds of sports enthusiasts and families alike. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue, saying, “This is one of the finest indoor ski resorts in China — easily among the top three. I hope Wuhan can one day host international snow sports events.”
Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels also enjoyed full occupancy during the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who moved their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate their special day at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. The picturesque mountain setting, combined with the resort’s festive atmosphere, made for an unforgettable wedding celebration.
Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort is Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since its grand opening, it has welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, evolving into a year-round destination offering entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences for travelers of all ages.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is accelerating its efforts to build a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its key pillars, Ganlushan continues to introduce new attractions and immersive experiences that elevate Wuhan’s reputation as a cultural and tourism hub on the global stage.
The celebrations will continue later this month — from October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring snow-themed activities, interactive events, and vibrant winter parties. With its fusion of artistry, tradition, and international flair, Ganlushan Resort stands as a shining example of how modern China celebrates — connecting the world through culture, creativity, and joy.
