Ganlushan Resort Draws 400,000 Visitors, Blending Global Creativity with Chinese Holiday Traditions
This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday transformed Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a spectacular destination of celebration, art, and culture. Over the course of eight festive days, the resort welcomed nearly 400,000 visitors, uniting Chinese traditions with global creativity and giving Wuhan’s tourism industry a vibrant boost.
The celebrations began on October 1 with the launch of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, which filled the resort’s streets with color, performance, and imagination. The centerpiece attraction, The Grand Magician — China’s first stilt-walking fantasy show — was produced by the acclaimed creative team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Characters like the white-robed wizard Harry, the elegant elven mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron walked through the crowds on towering stilts, captivating audiences with their storytelling and stage presence.
“I’ve never seen such a performance before — it was absolutely mesmerizing!” said Zhao Yuyi, a tourist from Jiangxi, still smiling after watching the show.
Wang Pengcheng, a Chengdu-based actor who portrayed the white wizard, said performing in Wuhan always feels special. “The audience here is so full of life,” he shared. “Ganlushan’s beautiful landscape makes every performance unforgettable. I’m also looking forward to visiting nearby attractions like the Mulan area.”
Adding rhythm and energy to the festivities, the African Drum Circle invited hundreds of visitors to participate in a “hundred-person drumming party.” The lively beats created a powerful sense of connection across cultures. One of the most memorable moments came when Martin, an African PhD student studying in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, earning cheers and applause from the entire crowd.
The International Gourmet Market brought flavors from around the world to Ganlushan, with more than 40 international food stalls serving global delicacies. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth has always been popular with Wuhan’s younger visitors,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the stall owners. “Being part of Ganlushan’s festival gives us the chance to share our food and culture with even more people.”
As night fell on the Mid-Autumn Festival, Ganlushan shone under the moonlight during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. Families and couples carried glowing rabbit-shaped lanterns, capturing photos and exchanging holiday blessings beneath the full moon. The scene, filled with laughter and light, perfectly reflected the warmth and unity that the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates.
Ganlushan’s attractions saw record-breaking attendance throughout the week, with the Ganlushan International Ski Resort — Central China’s largest indoor, competition-grade facility — drawing special attention. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the facility, calling it “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in China” and expressing optimism that Wuhan could host international-level winter sports events in the future.
All four boutique hotels within 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 special day at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue. Their ceremony — surrounded by mountains, flowers, and the joyous holiday atmosphere — became one of the highlights of the week.
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, becoming a year-round destination that combines leisure, entertainment, and culture for travelers of all ages.
A representative from the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism noted that the district is accelerating efforts to develop a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its three main pillars, Ganlushan continues to expand with new attractions, creative festivals, and immersive experiences, helping elevate Wuhan’s tourism appeal to international heights.
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, competitions, and winter parties designed for sports lovers. With its blend of cultural heritage, modern artistry, and global spirit, Ganlushan Resort has become a shining example of how China celebrates its traditions — with open arms and a global vision.
