This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday transformed Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a dazzling celebration of art, culture, and tradition. Over the eight-day break, nearly 400,000 visitors poured into the scenic resort, drawn by its unique combination of traditional Chinese festivities and international creative experiences that redefined the spirit of the holiday season.
The festivities began on October 1 with the opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, an event that turned the resort into a living gallery of color and movement. The showstopper was The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever fantasy stilt-walking performance — produced by the creative masterminds behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as enchanting characters such as the white-robed wizard Harry, the graceful elven mage Rachel, and the shadowy Heron, performers captivated audiences with spellbinding storytelling and theatrical elegance that brought fairytales to life.
“This was my first time seeing a stilt performance in person — it was absolutely mesmerizing!” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi, smiling as she recalled the spectacle.
Wang Pengcheng, an actor from Chengdu who portrayed the white wizard, shared his enthusiasm for performing in Wuhan. “The audience here has so much energy and love for art,” he said. “Ganlushan’s landscape is breathtaking, and the atmosphere makes every show feel magical. I’m looking forward to visiting nearby spots like the Mulan scenic area after the festival.”
One of the festival’s most interactive highlights was the African Drum Circle, which brought together hundreds of participants for a lively “hundred-person drumming party.” The rhythmic beats echoed through the mountains, creating a vibrant connection between cultures. Martin, an African PhD student studying in Wuhan, surprised the crowd with an emotional rendition of I Love You, China, which earned thunderous applause and smiles from the audience.
Running alongside the performances was the International Gourmet Market, a feast for the senses featuring more than 40 global food stalls. From European pastries to Asian street dishes, visitors indulged in an international culinary journey. “Our Eastern European Kitchen stall has always been a hit with young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, the operator. “Ganlushan allows us to share our food and culture with an even larger audience.”
The celebration reached its emotional peak on the Mid-Autumn Festival night with the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples gathered under the glowing full moon, holding radiant rabbit-shaped lanterns and exchanging good wishes. The soft lights and laughter filled the air, creating a scene that perfectly captured the warmth and unity of the holiday.
Ganlushan’s entertainment venues also experienced a surge in visitors. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade skiing facility, became a highlight for winter sports fans. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the facility as “one of the best indoor ski resorts in the country — easily top three nationwide,” adding that Wuhan has great potential to host international-level snow competitions in the future.
The resort’s four boutique hotels were fully booked during the first six days of the holiday. Among the many guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who moved their wedding from May to October 3 to celebrate at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. Their ceremony, surrounded by mountain views and the festive atmosphere, became one of the most heartwarming highlights of the season.
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, establishing itself as a premier, all-season destination that offers adventure, leisure, and cultural experiences for travelers of all ages.
According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is accelerating efforts to create a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of the three key anchors of this initiative, Ganlushan Resort continues to introduce innovative experiences and global cultural elements, helping elevate Wuhan’s tourism to international standards.
The excitement will continue later this month, as Ganlushan hosts the International Snow Friends Festival from October 24 to 26. The event will feature snow-themed games, sports competitions, and festive parties for winter enthusiasts. With its dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation, Ganlushan Resort stands as a shining example of how Chinese cultural destinations can embrace the world — and in doing so, bring the world to China.