This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday turned Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a vibrant stage of global celebration. Over the eight-day “Double Festival” period, the resort attracted nearly 400,000 visitors, uniting traditional Chinese culture with international creativity and energizing Wuhan’s thriving tourism scene.
Festivities kicked off on October 1 with the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, a dazzling showcase of color, music, and performance. The centerpiece of the event, The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever fantasy stilt-walking show — was created by the same artistic minds behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. The crowd was enchanted as characters like the white-robed wizard Harry, the ethereal mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron brought stories to life on towering stilts, earning waves of applause.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before — it was absolutely incredible!” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi, reflecting the enthusiasm shared by thousands.
Performer Wang Pengcheng from Chengdu, who played the white wizard, praised the audience’s warmth and engagement. “The passion of Wuhan’s people always amazes me,” he said. “And Ganlushan’s natural beauty makes performing here an unforgettable experience. I’m also eager to visit nearby scenic areas like the Mulan region.”
One of the most interactive events was the African Drum Circle, where hundreds of guests joined a “hundred-person drumming party,” creating a lively symphony of rhythm and joy. The crowd erupted in cheers when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, surprised everyone with a heartfelt rendition of I Love You, China, blending cultures in a moment of shared emotion.
Adding a flavorful dimension to the celebrations, the International Gourmet Market treated visitors to a world tour of cuisines. With more than 40 global food stalls, it became a must-visit attraction for food enthusiasts. “Our Eastern European Kitchen has always been popular with Wuhan’s younger crowd,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the stall operators. “Being here at Ganlushan gives us an even greater opportunity to share our food and culture.”
As night fell on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the resort glowed under the moonlight during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples carried rabbit-shaped lanterns, took photos beneath the bright full moon, and exchanged warm holiday greetings — creating a scene that perfectly captured the spirit of reunion and celebration.
Throughout the holiday, all corners of Ganlushan buzzed with activity. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade facility, became a magnet for skiing enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the resort’s excellence, calling it “one of the top three indoor ski venues in the nation” and expressing optimism about Wuhan’s potential to host international-level snow sports events in the future.
Accommodation demand soared as well, with all four boutique hotels fully booked for most of the holiday. Among the visitors were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who chose to move their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate at the elegant Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue, sharing their special day with family and friends in a picturesque mountain setting.
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 hosted nearly 10 million visitors, evolving into a premier destination that offers year-round activities for travelers of all ages.
A representative from the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism highlighted that the district is rapidly advancing its vision to establish a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of the three key pillars of this initiative, Ganlushan Resort continues to introduce new experiences that enhance the region’s appeal and bring the “Mulan Tourism” brand to international recognition.
The celebrations will continue later this month. From October 24 to 26, Ganlushan will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring snow-themed games, competitions, and lively parties for winter sports lovers — ensuring the resort remains a shining symbol of Wuhan’s cultural and festive vitality.
