During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District transformed into a hub of art, culture, and celebration. Over eight joyful days, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, bringing together the timeless elegance of Chinese traditions and the vibrant energy of global creativity — adding a new spark to Wuhan’s thriving tourism landscape.
Festivities began on October 1 with the opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, which turned the resort’s streets into a living stage of performance and color. The highlight of the event was The Grand Magician — China’s first fantasy-themed stilt-walking performance — produced by the renowned creative team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as mythical characters including the white-robed wizard Harry, the graceful elven mage Rachel, and the dark-cloaked Heron, performers brought fantastical stories to life while walking through the crowd on towering stilts, drawing rounds of applause from awestruck spectators.
“I’ve never seen anything this beautiful and imaginative before,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi. “It felt like stepping straight into a fantasy world.”
Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who played the white wizard, praised the energy of Wuhan’s audiences. “The people here are so passionate and full of life,” he said. “Ganlushan’s scenic beauty makes performing here truly unforgettable. After the festival, I’m hoping to visit nearby attractions like the Mulan scenic area.”
The festivities also featured the energetic African Drum Circle, which brought hundreds of people together in a lively “hundred-person drumming party.” The pulsating rhythms and joyful energy symbolized harmony and connection across cultures. A highlight came when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, moving the audience and earning enthusiastic cheers.
Meanwhile, the International Gourmet Market took visitors on a flavorful journey around the world, featuring over 40 specialty food stalls offering international delicacies. “Our Eastern European Kitchen has always been a favorite among young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the vendors. “Ganlushan’s festival gives us an amazing opportunity to share our food and culture with more visitors.”
As night fell on the Mid-Autumn Festival, Ganlushan shimmered beneath the moonlight during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples carried glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns, took photos, and exchanged warm wishes. The glowing lights and laughter filled the air, creating a heartwarming celebration of reunion and joy that perfectly reflected the festival’s spirit.
Throughout the week, Ganlushan’s attractions were bustling with activity. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor, competition-grade ski facility, was especially popular among snow sports enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the facility, calling it “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in the country” and expressing optimism that Wuhan could host international snow events in the near future.
Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels were fully booked during the first six days of the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who rescheduled their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. Their mountain-side ceremony, surrounded by family, friends, and festive lights, became one of the most memorable highlights of the season.
Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort is Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since opening, it has attracted nearly 10 million visitors, becoming a year-round destination that combines culture, adventure, and leisure for travelers of all ages.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is fast-tracking plans to build a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of the initiative’s three cornerstone attractions, Ganlushan continues to innovate with new cultural formats, immersive experiences, and international collaborations, strengthening Wuhan’s standing as a leading tourism destination in China.
And the celebrations aren’t over — from October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, a three-day extravaganza featuring snow-themed games, sports competitions, and winter parties. With its blend of artistry, tradition, and global spirit, Ganlushan Resort stands as a shining example of how modern China honors its culture — by celebrating it with the world.
