In Kunming City, Yunnan Province, there is a “Small People Country” theme park where a group of miniature people, with an average height of less than 1.3 meters, live. They dress in costumes from fairy tales and entertain visitors with songs, dances, and skits to make a living.
Located in Heiqiao Village, Bijizhen Town, Xishan District of Kunming City, there is a large ecological theme park themed around butterflies called the “World Butterfly Garden, Small People Country.” The park is home to over a hundred miniature people.
These individuals, who have an average height of less than 1.3 meters, come from various parts of the country. In “Small People Country,” they wear costumes from fairy tales and play roles such as the king, foreign ministers, and soldiers in the fairy-tale-like mini castles and mushroom houses, performing for visitors.
The theme park was developed and built by Yunnan Jiuciyun Butterfly Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Recently, this group of miniature people living in “Small People Country” has once again entered the public eye.
In mainland China, it is extremely challenging for many miniature people to integrate into mainstream society. The height difference poses significant challenges for them in education, employment, social interactions, and other aspects of life. They may face discrimination, ridicule, and struggle to find decent jobs.
However, in “Small People Country,” they find understanding, acceptance, and the opportunity to have a relatively stable job. With their talents and hard work, they earn the applause and respect of the audience.
Some are moved by the fact that these miniature people can support themselves, while others question whether “Small People Country” is a form of exploitative commercial behavior. Some believe that the existence of “Small People Country” is a result of necessity, reflecting that mainstream society still falls short in accepting and supporting special groups. If the government could provide more diverse employment opportunities and a more comprehensive support system, perhaps they wouldn’t need to make a living in this way.
So, what is the true inner world of these miniature people living in “Small People Country”?
Recently, several miniature people from “Small People Country” told a blogger that this was their first time leaving their hometowns and that this was their first job. They admitted that they had encountered some impolite treatment outside before, being pointed at and talked about, but they feel warm living and working here, like a second home.
On August 13th, during an interview with “The First Scene,” the eighth generation “king” and “queen” of “Small People Country,” Zeng Li and Dong Hongyu, said that they had once drifted outside. They met each other while working together in “Small People Country” and eventually came together and started a family.
Dong Hongyu mentioned that she started working in “Small People Country” in 2010. She returned to “Small People Country” when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, as she was young back then and wanted to explore, but now she wants a stable job and no longer wishes to wander around.
Many netizens expressed their thoughts: “Seeing the elves living happily here warms my heart.” “I think it’s great that at least they provide employment opportunities for those who couldn’t find jobs before.” “Seeing them work together and live diligently makes all weariness disappear. No matter how tough life gets, don’t forget to maintain this love.”
Source: New Tang Dynasty