Kingdom of the Little People

China's Kingdom of the Little People has one thing going for it: it can be classified as both a tourist attraction and an exploitative cash grab, depending on who you ask. Either it's a community where little people can coexist peacefully and earn a living, or it's a contemporary sideshow where little people are taken advantage of for financial gain. It might be both.

The Kingdom was established in 2009 with the purported goal of providing security and meaning to the underprivileged citizens of China. Chinese culture can be harsher toward children than what we are used to in the West, and, let's be honest, people are very cruel toward children here as well. The residents of the commune, which is a popular tourist destination, are visible living in homes that resemble toadstools. They compete in things like gymnastics competitions, dances, and parades. It seems to function like a theme park because visitors pay and cheer.

But the tiny actors—all of them—really do reside here. Away from the tourists, not in toadstool huts, but in actual homes. There is a height restriction on who can live there. They can get genuine city jobs like security, cleaning, or food preparation if they aren't entertainers. The government there is elected. In most regions in China, little people are unable to obtain these kinds of jobs. Additionally, probably even more advantageously, they are not harassed, teased, or mocked elsewhere, which is a big issue.

Although the exploitative and oddly contrived character of the entire area is questioned, residents tell reporters they are content. What can you say about a city where even the stray dogs are small chihuahuas and papillons? There is definitely an idea being forced here. But if the populace is actually content, perhaps it's acceptable.

• Country: China