This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday transformed Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a spectacular fusion of tradition, creativity, and international culture. Over eight festive days, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, creating a vibrant celebration that united the best of Chinese heritage with global artistry and excitement.
The festivities kicked off on October 1 with the much-anticipated Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, setting the tone for a week of color, music, and imagination. The centerpiece of the event was The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever stilt-walking fantasy performance — produced by the creative team behind the world-renowned Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Characters such as the white-robed wizard Harry, the elegant elven mage Rachel, and the enigmatic Heron mesmerized audiences with their magical storytelling as they glided gracefully through the crowd on towering stilts.
“I’ve never seen a performance so breathtaking before,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi. “The costumes, the music, the atmosphere — everything felt straight out of a dream!”
For Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who played the white wizard, performing at Ganlushan was deeply rewarding. “Wuhan’s audiences are full of energy and warmth,” he shared. “Ganlushan’s natural beauty adds so much to the experience — it makes you want to stay and explore places like the nearby Mulan scenic area.”
Among the most popular events was the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of guests joined a “hundred-person drumming party,” filling the air with pulsating rhythms. The moment became even more special when Martin, an African PhD student studying in Wuhan, performed a heartfelt version of I Love You, China, drawing cheers and applause from everyone present.
Food lovers also found paradise at the International Gourmet Market, which offered a “global tasting tour” with more than 40 international food stalls. From European delicacies to Asian street favorites, the aromas alone drew long lines. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth has always been a hit with young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, the stall’s owner. “Being here at Ganlushan lets us connect with an even larger crowd.”
On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the resort shimmered under moonlight during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival, where families and couples held glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns and shared warm holiday wishes. The enchanting atmosphere — filled with laughter, light, and love — perfectly captured the essence of togetherness that defines the holiday.
Ganlushan’s wide range of attractions also saw record-breaking attendance throughout the holiday. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade ski facility, became a magnet for snow sports enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the facility as “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in China” and expressed optimism that Wuhan could one day host international snow competitions.
Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels enjoyed full occupancy during the first six days of the holiday. Among the many memorable stories was that of Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, a local couple who moved their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate amid Ganlushan’s festive setting. Their ceremony, held at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue, became a highlight of the holiday — a joyful blend of romance and 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 debut, it has attracted nearly 10 million visitors, establishing itself as a year-round destination offering recreation, adventure, and cultural experiences for all ages.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is accelerating plans to develop a world-class “Mulan Tourism” brand. As one of its three cornerstone destinations, Ganlushan Resort continues to innovate with immersive attractions and cross-cultural events, helping bring Wuhan’s tourism scene to a global stage.
The celebration will continue later this month — from October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring snow-themed competitions, interactive games, and lively winter parties for snow lovers. With its dynamic blend of art, culture, and community, Ganlushan has firmly positioned itself as one of China’s most inspiring and internationally appealing holiday destinations.