Ganlushan Resort Welcomes 400,000 Visitors, Fusing Global Creativity with the Spirit of Chinese Festivities

During this year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, Ganlushan Resort in Wuhan’s Huangpi District became a beacon of celebration, culture, and creativity. Over eight festive days, the resort drew nearly 400,000 visitors, blending the charm of traditional Chinese customs with the vibrancy of global art and entertainment — a combination that brought fresh vitality to Wuhan’s booming tourism scene.

The celebrations began on October 1 with the spectacular Ganlushan International Street Art Festival, which turned the entire resort into a living performance space. The highlight of the festival was The Grand Magician — China’s first stilt-walking fantasy show — produced by the renowned creative team behind the Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Dressed as magical figures like the white-robed wizard Harry, the ethereal mage Rachel, and the mysterious Heron, performers wove tales of wonder while moving gracefully through the crowd on towering stilts, captivating audiences of all ages.

“I’ve never seen anything so breathtaking before,” said Zhao Yuyi, a tourist from Jiangxi. “It felt like watching a fairytale unfold right in front of me.”

For Wang Pengcheng, an actor from Chengdu who portrayed the white wizard, the enthusiasm of Wuhan’s audiences stood out. “Performing here always feels special,” he said. “The crowd’s energy is incredible, and Ganlushan’s beautiful environment makes it even more magical. After the festival, I’m planning to explore nearby attractions like the Mulan area.”

Among the festival’s biggest crowd-pullers was the African Drum Circle, a “hundred-person drumming party” where visitors joined together to experience the rhythms of Africa. The event reached its emotional peak when Martin, an African PhD student in Wuhan, performed I Love You, China, earning loud cheers and heartfelt applause from the audience — a moment that perfectly embodied cultural harmony.

At the same time, the International Gourmet Market offered visitors a taste of the world, featuring over 40 food stalls serving global delicacies. “Our Eastern European Kitchen booth has always been a hit with young people in Wuhan,” said Zhang Qibiao, one of the vendors. “Being part of Ganlushan’s festival allows us to share our culture and cuisine with even more guests.”

On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the resort glowed with joy during the Blessed Moon Bunny Lantern Festival, where families and couples gathered beneath the full moon holding luminous rabbit-shaped lanterns. The scene — filled with light, laughter, and love — reflected the true essence of reunion and togetherness that defines this cherished Chinese holiday.

Ganlushan’s many attractions also saw record-breaking attendance. The Ganlushan International Ski Resort, Central China’s largest indoor competition-grade ski facility, became a major draw for sports lovers. Zorica Stanković, Head Coach of China’s National Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom Team, praised the venue as “one of the top three indoor ski resorts in China,” noting its advanced facilities and expressing hope that Wuhan could one day host international snow sports competitions.

Ganlushan’s four boutique hotels were fully booked for most of the holiday period. Among the 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. The mountain setting and festive atmosphere made their special day unforgettable for family and friends alike.

Developed by Wuhan Urban Construction Group, Ganlushan Resort is Central China’s first large-scale, ice-and-snow-themed cultural tourism complex. Since its opening, it has welcomed nearly 10 million visitors, evolving into an all-season destination that offers entertainment, relaxation, and cultural enrichment for travelers of all ages.

According to the Huangpi District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the district is rapidly advancing its goal of building a world-class “Mulan Tourism” destination. As one of its three main pillars, Ganlushan Resort continues to innovate with new experiences, performances, and attractions that elevate Wuhan’s tourism industry to international standards.

The excitement doesn’t end there — from October 24 to 26, the resort will host the International Snow Friends Festival, a three-day celebration featuring interactive snow-themed events, sports competitions, and lively winter parties. With its perfect balance of tradition and modern flair, Ganlushan Resort is redefining how China celebrates — by bringing the world together in the heart of Wuhan.