During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District became the epicenter of celebration and culture. Over the eight-day “Double Festival” period, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, uniting the beauty of Chinese tradition with the energy of global artistry. From mesmerizing performances to international cuisines, Ganlushan turned the holiday into a captivating blend of culture, joy, and creativity.
The festivities began on October 1 with the launch of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, transforming the entire resort into a stage alive with music, color, and imagination. The star attraction was The Grand Magician — China’s first fantasy-themed stilt-walking performance — brought to life by the acclaimed creative team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Characters such as the white-robed wizard Harry, the graceful elven mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron enchanted audiences as they walked gracefully through the crowds on towering stilts, drawing gasps and applause at every turn.
“This was unlike anything I’ve ever seen — it felt magical and surreal,” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi, smiling after the show.
Wang Pengcheng, the Chengdu-based actor who played the white wizard, praised the local audience. “Wuhan’s people are incredibly passionate,” he said. “Performing here feels special, especially in such a beautiful place. Ganlushan’s natural scenery adds so much charm — it makes every moment unforgettable.”
Among the most crowd-pleasing events was the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of participants joined a high-energy “hundred-person drumming party.” The rhythmic beats brought together visitors from different cultures in a powerful moment of shared joy. The highlight came when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, delivered a heartfelt rendition of I Love You, China, earning cheers and applause from the audience.
Running alongside the performances, the International Gourmet Market offered a feast for the senses, featuring more than 40 food stalls representing cuisines from around the world. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth is always a favorite among young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, the vendor. “Ganlushan gives us an incredible opportunity to share our food and culture with even more guests.”
On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the resort shimmered with light during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples strolled beneath the moonlight holding glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns, taking photos, and sharing warm holiday wishes — creating heartwarming moments of unity and joy.
Ganlushan’s attractions also saw record-breaking attendance. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade ski facility, drew crowds of winter sports enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue, saying, “It’s among the top three indoor ski resorts in China — truly world-class. I can see Wuhan hosting international-level snow events in the future.”
All four boutique hotels within Ganlushan were fully booked for most of the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who rescheduled their May wedding to October 3 to celebrate at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. The couple hosted friends and family for a joyous mountain ceremony that perfectly matched the festive spirit of the resort.
Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort stands as Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since opening, it has attracted nearly 10 million visitors, becoming a model destination that offers year-round leisure, cultural events, and adventure for travelers of all ages.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is accelerating its mission to build a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its three key pillars, Ganlushan continues to expand with new attractions, performances, and immersive experiences, helping to bring the Mulan brand — and Wuhan’s tourism appeal — to the global stage.
The celebrations will continue later this month, as Ganlushan hosts the International Snow Friends Festival from October 24 to 26, featuring snow-themed activities, competitions, and winter parties for snow lovers. With its blend of artistry, innovation, and heritage, Ganlushan Resort continues to shine as one of China’s most dynamic and internationally inspired holiday destinations.
