Ganlushan Resort Attracts 400,000 Holidaymakers, Blending Global Festivities with Chinese Traditions

This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday transformed Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District into a vibrant cultural playground. Drawing nearly 400,000 visitors in just eight days, the resort became a celebration of diversity — fusing international creativity with classic Chinese traditions and breathing new life into Wuhan’s festive tourism scene.

Festivities began on October 1 with the opening of the Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, which captivated audiences with dazzling live performances. The festival’s crown jewel, The Grand Magician — China’s first-ever stilt-walking fantasy show — was produced by the same acclaimed creative team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as mystical characters like the white-robed wizard Harry, elven mage Rachel, and the mysterious dark-cloaked Heron, performers brought fantasy to life as they moved through the crowd on towering stilts, sparking excitement and applause wherever they went.

“I’ve never witnessed anything like this before — it was absolutely mesmerizing!” said Zhao Yuyi, a visitor from Jiangxi.

For actor Wang Pengcheng from Chengdu, who portrayed the white wizard, performing at Ganlushan was a joy. “Wuhan audiences always have an amazing spirit,” he said. “And performing amid Ganlushan’s stunning scenery makes the experience even more special. I’m excited to explore nearby spots like the Mulan area.”

Another festival highlight was the African Drum Circle, where a “hundred-person drumming party” brought together people from all walks of life. Guests joined in the energetic rhythms, creating a collective beat that resonated across the resort. Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, impressed the crowd with his spontaneous performance of I Love You, China, earning thunderous cheers from the audience.

Meanwhile, the International Gourmet Market offered a feast for the senses, with more than 40 global food stalls serving specialties from around the world. “Young people in Wuhan have always loved our food,” said Zhang Qibiao, who runs the Eastern European Kitchen stall. “Ganlushan gives us the perfect stage to connect with an even larger crowd.”

On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, visitors gathered under the glowing moonlight for the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and nostalgia as guests posed with glowing rabbit lanterns and exchanged holiday blessings beneath the shimmering night sky.

Every corner of Ganlushan came alive with festive spirit. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade facility, was a major draw for sports enthusiasts. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the facility’s world-class design, calling it “one of the best indoor ski resorts in the country — easily top three nationwide.” She also expressed hope that Wuhan might one day host international snow events.

Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels were fully booked for most of the holiday. Among the guests were newlyweds Mr. Wang and Ms. Jiang, who decided to move their wedding from May to October so they could celebrate at the newly opened Ganlushan Floral Hotel – Lanxue, hosting family and friends in a picture-perfect mountain setting.

Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort stands as Central China’s first major ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism destination. Since opening, it has welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, evolving into a model for year-round, family-friendly, and multi-format vacation experiences.

A spokesperson from the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism emphasized that the district is fast-tracking its goal to build a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of the key anchors of this initiative, Ganlushan Resort will continue introducing innovative experiences, strengthening the region’s appeal to both domestic and international travelers.

The celebrations continue later this month — from October 24 to 26, the resort will host the International Snow Friends Festival, featuring fun competitions, interactive snow events, and themed parties for winter sports lovers — ensuring the holiday magic at Ganlushan doesn’t melt away anytime soon.