This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday transformed Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a spectacular showcase of culture, art, and celebration. Over the eight-day “Double Festival” break, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, creating a joyful blend of traditional Chinese customs and international creativity that captivated travelers from near and far.
The celebrations began on October 1 with the grand opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, where every street corner became a stage. The highlight of the event, The Grand Magician — China’s first stilt-walking fantasy show — was brought to life by the celebrated team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as mystical characters including the white-robed wizard Harry, the ethereal elven mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron, performers glided through the crowds on towering stilts, enchanting audiences with stunning costumes and captivating storytelling.
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi. “It felt like watching a real-life fantasy movie come to life right in front of me!”
For Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who played the white wizard, performing in Wuhan was deeply rewarding. “The audience here has so much enthusiasm,” he shared. “Ganlushan’s scenic landscape adds magic to every performance. After the festival, I’m planning to explore nearby attractions like the Mulan scenic area.”
Adding rhythm to the festivities was the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of participants joined together in a lively “hundred-person drumming party.” The powerful beats and joyful atmosphere symbolized harmony across cultures. The event reached a heartwarming moment when Martin, an African PhD student studying in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, sparking applause and cheers from the crowd.
Running alongside the performances was the International Gourmet Market, offering visitors a global feast of flavors. With more than 40 food stalls, guests enjoyed delicacies from around the world. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth is especially popular among young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the vendors. “Ganlushan gives us a great platform to share our dishes and culture with even more people.”
As the Mid-Autumn Festival evening arrived, the resort glowed under the full moon during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples held luminous rabbit-shaped lanterns, taking photos and exchanging wishes for happiness and prosperity. The twinkling lights and laughter painted a picture of warmth, unity, and celebration — the true spirit of the holiday.
Ganlushan’s attractions were bustling throughout the week, especially the Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor, competition-level ski facility. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue as “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in China,” commending its modern facilities and expressing optimism about Wuhan hosting international snow events in the future.
All four boutique hotels at Ganlushan reported full occupancy during the first six days of the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who moved their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate their big day at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. Their wedding, surrounded by mountain views and festive lights, added a romantic touch to the resort’s joyful atmosphere.
Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort stands as Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since its opening, it has attracted nearly 10 million visitors, offering all-season experiences that blend leisure, sports, and cultural immersion for travelers of every age.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is fast-tracking its efforts to build a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its three cornerstone attractions, Ganlushan continues to innovate with new cultural programs, themed events, and immersive experiences, strengthening Wuhan’s profile as a global tourism hub.
The celebrations will continue later this month — from October 24 to 26, the resort will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring snow-themed games, sports competitions, and interactive parties for winter enthusiasts. With its perfect fusion of heritage, artistry, and global inspiration, Ganlushan Resort is redefining how modern China celebrates its traditions — by sharing them with the world.