This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday brought a wave of excitement to Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District. Over the course of eight festive days, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, becoming a symbol of how modern China beautifully intertwines tradition, culture, and global creativity. From street performances to international cuisine, every corner of Ganlushan came alive with celebration and connection.
The holiday opened in grand style on October 1 with the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, a spectacle of artistry and imagination. The highlight of the event was The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever stilt-walking fantasy show — created by the renowned team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Characters like the white-robed wizard Harry, the elven sorceress Rachel, and the mysterious Heron weaved enchanting tales through the crowd, performing atop towering stilts and earning nonstop applause from amazed onlookers.
“I’ve never experienced anything so mesmerizing before,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi. “It felt like stepping into a real-life fantasy world.”
For Wang Pengcheng, an actor from Chengdu who portrayed the white wizard, Wuhan’s energy stood out. “The audience here is so passionate,” he shared. “Ganlushan’s scenery is breathtaking — it makes performing here an unforgettable experience. I’m excited to explore nearby attractions like the Mulan scenic area.”
Adding a rhythmic beat to the celebrations was the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of guests joined together in a “hundred-person drumming party.” The lively sounds of percussion filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. Among the performers, Martin, an African PhD student studying in Wuhan, moved the audience with an impromptu rendition of I Love You, China, blending his love for music and his adopted home country.
The celebration of world culture continued with the International Gourmet Market, featuring over 40 global food stalls that transformed Ganlushan into a culinary wonderland. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth has always been a hit with young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, the stall’s operator. “Joining Ganlushan’s festival helps us reach even more food lovers and share a taste of our heritage.”
As the Mid-Autumn Festival evening arrived, the resort sparkled under the moonlight during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Guests of all ages gathered to light up rabbit-shaped lanterns, take photos, and exchange heartfelt blessings beneath the glowing full moon — a moment that perfectly captured the warmth and togetherness of the holiday.
Beyond the festivities, Ganlushan’s entertainment and leisure attractions saw record-breaking activity. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade skiing facility, became a top destination for adventure seekers. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue as “one of the best indoor ski resorts in the nation” and expressed optimism that Wuhan could soon host international snow sports competitions.
Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels also enjoyed full bookings during the first six days of the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who decided to move their wedding from May to October 3, choosing the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue as their venue. The romantic mountain setting provided a magical backdrop for their celebration, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort has become Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since its grand opening, it has hosted nearly 10 million visitors, evolving into a year-round destination for recreation, relaxation, and cultural exploration.
A representative from the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism shared that the district is rapidly developing a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its key pillars, Ganlushan continues to innovate with new cultural formats and immersive experiences, helping the “Mulan Tourism” brand gain international recognition.
The excitement doesn’t end there — from October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring interactive snow events, themed parties, and winter competitions designed for snow sports enthusiasts. With its perfect mix of art, culture, and global spirit, Ganlushan is redefining how China celebrates its most cherished holidays.
