During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District became a vibrant destination of celebration, culture, and creativity. Over the eight-day “Double Festival” period, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, combining the beauty of Chinese heritage with international artistic expression — turning the season’s festivities into an unforgettable cultural experience.
The celebrations began on October 1 with the opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, which filled the resort with color, music, and theatrical excitement. The festival’s main highlight, The Grand Magician — China’s first stilt-walking fantasy show — was created by the acclaimed production team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Performers dressed as the white-robed wizard Harry, the elven mage Rachel, and the dark-cloaked Heron enchanted spectators with their magical storytelling and graceful stilt performances, earning waves of applause throughout the day.
“I’ve never seen anything like it before — it was simply amazing,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi.
Wang Pengcheng, an actor from Chengdu who portrayed the white wizard, shared his joy in performing for Wuhan’s lively audience. “The people here are full of warmth and energy,” he said. “Ganlushan’s stunning scenery makes it a wonderful place to perform, and I’m excited to explore the nearby Mulan scenic area after the festival.”
One of the most engaging attractions was the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of visitors joined in a “hundred-person drumming party.” The infectious rhythms united participants from around the world, creating a joyful atmosphere of cultural harmony. The event reached an emotional high when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, earning cheers and heartfelt applause from the crowd.
Adding flavor to the festivities, the International Gourmet Market offered a culinary journey across continents. With over 40 global food stalls, visitors sampled everything from Eastern European delicacies to Asian street favorites. “Our Eastern European Kitchen has always been popular with Wuhan’s young crowd,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the vendors. “Being here at Ganlushan lets us share our food — and our culture — with so many more people.”
On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Ganlushan shone under the glow of the moon during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples carried glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns, taking photos and exchanging holiday blessings under the silver light of the full moon. The air was filled with laughter and togetherness — a perfect reflection of the season’s spirit.
Ganlushan’s attractions were bustling throughout the holiday week. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade facility, proved especially popular among snow sports enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue, calling it “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in China,” and expressed hope that Wuhan might one day host international-level winter competitions.
The resort’s four boutique hotels were also 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. The couple exchanged vows in the midst of the mountains, surrounded by loved ones and a festive atmosphere, making their special day truly unforgettable.
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 all-season attractions and experiences for travelers of every age.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is rapidly advancing its plan to create a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its key pillars, Ganlushan continues to innovate with new attractions, festivals, and global partnerships, helping bring the “Mulan Tourism” brand to international recognition.
The celebrations aren’t over yet — from October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring interactive snow games, competitions, and winter-themed parties for all ages. With its seamless blend of cultural heritage, modern artistry, and global participation, Ganlushan Resort is redefining how China celebrates — honoring its traditions while embracing the world.
