We live in politically correct times, well, except for the people of China. At Dwarf Empire, an amusement park of tiny mushroom-like castles that is part of the World Ecological Garden of Butterflies, visitors are entertained twice daily by the hundreds of dwarves who live and work here. Amongst the people dressed up as medieval soldiers, acrobats, butterflies, cooks and hip hoppers (what is that, like a small Tupac?) is the sun glass-wearing King, wearing a colorful hippie coat, who welcomes everyone to his tiny kingdom. Then like Wizard of Oz on crack, all the dwarves break out into a song and dance number. The owners have plans to expand, creating an army of thousands of dwarves from across China.
Considering the average yearly salary in China is $4,260, the performers, who have come from all over the country, don’t have it too bad. Instead of living a life on the streets, the park guarantees them free housing and extracurricular activities as well as a monthly income of $147. That’s better than some University graduates. Maybe some see this business venture as exploitative and demeaning, while others believe it sounds a lot better than the circuses and freak shows of the past. Well, if it makes you feel any better…the visitors are forced to sit in tiny chairs during the performances and use tiny urinals during bathroom breaks. Well, the men anyway.
Great pics of the place here.
