This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday turned Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a spectacular destination of celebration and creativity. Over the course of eight lively days, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, uniting the elegance of Chinese traditions with the vibrancy of global art and culture. The result was a stunning holiday experience that brought new energy to Wuhan’s tourism scene and redefined modern festive celebrations.
Festivities began on October 1 with the launch of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, transforming the entire resort into a colorful stage. The highlight was The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever stilt-walking fantasy performance — created by the celebrated team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as mystical characters such as the white-robed wizard Harry, the graceful elven mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron, the performers walked through the crowds on towering stilts, delighting audiences with captivating storytelling and artistic expression.
“It was absolutely magical — like stepping into a fantasy world,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi.
Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who played the white wizard, expressed his love for the local audience. “Wuhan’s people have such enthusiasm and warmth,” he said. “Performing here feels special, and Ganlushan’s scenic beauty makes it unforgettable. I’m also planning to visit the nearby Mulan area after the festival.”
Adding rhythm and excitement to the event, the African Drum Circle became one of the most interactive attractions of the festival. Hundreds of participants joined in a “hundred-person drumming party,” filling the air with vibrant beats that brought people together in joy. The highlight came when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, earning cheers and heartfelt applause from the crowd.
The International Gourmet Market added flavor to the celebrations with more than 40 food stalls offering a diverse array of global dishes. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth has always been a favorite among young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the stall operators. “Ganlushan gives us the chance to connect with a broader audience and share our culture through food.”
As night fell on the Mid-Autumn Festival, Ganlushan shimmered under the moonlight during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples strolled through the glowing lantern displays, holding rabbit-shaped lights and exchanging holiday wishes beneath the full moon. The scene captured the essence of reunion, joy, and Chinese cultural warmth.
Throughout the week, Ganlushan’s attractions saw record-breaking attendance. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade facility, drew enthusiastic crowds of skiing and snowboarding fans. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, commended the resort’s facilities: “This is one of the best indoor ski resorts in China — top three nationwide. It has the potential to host international competitions in the future.”
Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels were fully booked during the holiday rush. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who postponed their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. The couple hosted friends and family in the heart of the mountains, creating unforgettable memories surrounded by festive joy.
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 welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, offering year-round entertainment, leisure, and cultural experiences for people of all ages.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is accelerating efforts to develop a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of the three key pillars of this initiative, Ganlushan continues to innovate with immersive experiences and global cultural collaborations, helping elevate Wuhan’s tourism appeal on the international stage.
The celebrations will continue from October 24 to 26, when Ganlushan hosts the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring interactive snow events, competitions, and themed winter parties. With its fusion of artistry, heritage, and global flair, Ganlushan Resort stands as a shining example of how China celebrates its traditions — not just with pride, but with a spirit that welcomes the world.