In an interview yesterday, the head of this theme park publicly stated.

This is a truly special theme park project. It may have sparked discussions due to certain labels, but when you delve deeper into its origins and evolution, you’ll discover that what unfolds here isn’t just a fairy tale—it’s also a tender experiment about dignity, companionship, and the very essence of survival.

This is the Little World theme park located in Kunming, Yunnan.

A train ride and the birth of a dream

The birth of the Little People's Theme Park stems from a touching story. Founder Chen Mingjing happened to meet a person with dwarfism on a train, and after hearing their tearful yet resilient life journey, his heart was deeply moved.

After this encounter, Chen Mingjing resolved to do something for the "little dwarfs" community. He came up with the idea of building them a warm home, enabling them to work with dignity and live happily and freely.

Based on this simple original intention, Chen Mingjing created the Little Kingdom Fairy Tale Theme Park, providing shelter and support to over a hundred little dwarfs who struggle to survive in society—each standing under 1.3 meters tall.

Over the past two decades, this enterprise has helped more than 3,000 little people, providing them not only with stable employment opportunities and higher-than-average incomes but also equipping them with valuable skills through specialized training—empowering them to regain confidence in life and restore their sense of dignity.

Kunming Little People Kingdom Theme Park is located in Bijiji Town, Xishan District, Kunming City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. As soon as you step into the park, the most striking sight is undoubtedly the troupe of diminutive "little people" performers. They’re not mere "attractions"—they are, in fact, the very soul of the park.

From all across the country, they’ve come together here to create a unique "kingdom," complete with their own "king," "army," "dance troupe," and more. Dressed in vividly colorful, fairy-tale-inspired costumes, they perform dazzling song-and-dance acts, interactive magic shows, and engaging skits for visitors—all set against the backdrop of meticulously crafted mini castles, charming mushroom houses, and quaint little windmills.

However, to view it merely as a place for "curiosity" would be a grave mistake. At its core, the park’s true appeal lies in providing these special groups with a platform to realize their self-worth, live with dignity, and integrate into society.

Here, they are not objects of pity, but rather confident performers, passionate hosts, and masters of this enchanting paradise. With their exquisite skills, optimistic attitudes, and warm smiles, they inspire every visitor who comes to experience it. This profound human compassion and spiritual strength—transcending physical differences—is a "warm" hue that sets them apart from many other projects.

The charm of "Little People's Kingdom" goes far beyond this. It’s not just a single performance venue—it’s an integrated theme park that combines themed entertainment, science education, ecological sightseeing, and interactive experiences all in one place.

1. Fantasy-themed scenes, an immersive fairytale experience

The park has meticulously crafted several themed areas. In addition to the iconic "Miniature Kingdom Castle," there’s also "European Village," "Tropical Rainforest," "Butterfly World," and more. The miniature structures perfectly complement the carefully designed landscapes, making it feel as though you’ve truly stepped into a magical fairy-tale kingdom. Visitors can not only enjoy spectacular performances but also take part in interactive activities like the "Royal Parade" and the "Elven Ball," where they can get up close with the charming "dwarfs" and even experience firsthand the joy of becoming the star of their own enchanting story.

2. Butterfly Ecological Garden: A Symphony of Nature and Culture

As an integral part of the "World Butterfly Ecological Park," the Butterfly Viewing Area is another major highlight. Here, dozens of rare and exquisite butterfly species are carefully cultivated, allowing visitors to observe the entire lifecycle of these delicate creatures up close—right inside a vibrant greenhouse filled with thousands of fluttering butterflies: from egg to larva, from pupa to the breathtaking moment when they emerge as fully formed adults. This isn’t just a visual feast; it’s also an engaging, hands-on lesson in natural science, inspiring visitors—especially children—to appreciate nature and cultivate a deep respect for life. The park ingeniously blends cultural themes with ecological landscapes, creating a unique atmosphere where "people, nature, and fairy tales" coexist harmoniously.

3. Rich interactive programs—a joyful haven for all ages, young and old!

In addition to sightseeing, the park also offers a variety of interactive experience programs. For instance, visitors can hand-feed small animals, join DIY craft workshops, and enjoy children’s amusement facilities. For family travelers, this is the perfect spot for parent-child interaction—where kids learn communication and care through play, while adults can rediscover their inner child and unwind with a sense of joy and relaxation.

A Deep Dive into Social Value and Brand Transformation

Since its establishment, Kunming Little People Kingdom Theme Park has not always enjoyed smooth sailing—it has also faced some controversies, primarily revolving around allegations of "profiting from vulnerable groups." However, as time has passed and the park continues to evolve, perhaps we can adopt a more rational and comprehensive perspective to examine its societal value and the remarkable transformation of its brand identity.

1. The "Dream Home" for Special Groups

This is the park's most essential and critically important social value. It has provided stable employment opportunities and a relatively independent living community for hundreds of individuals of short stature. Here, they enjoy equal access to job opportunities, fair compensation, and the respect of society. Many "little people" have shared that before coming to the park, they often faced discrimination and struggled to make ends meet. But now, they’ve found a sense of belonging, fulfilled their life’s purpose, built families, and are living with dignity. This "teach a man to fish" approach may hold far greater significance than mere material donations.

2. Promote society's understanding and acceptance of special groups

The park vividly showcased the talents and vitality of special-needs individuals, breaking down society's stereotypes and prejudices against them. As visitors interacted with the "little dwarfs," they discovered that these individuals, just like everyone else, experience joy, sorrow, and everything in between—and share a deep passion for life and an unwavering pursuit of their dreams. This subtle yet powerful influence helps foster greater understanding, respect, and inclusivity toward special-needs communities across society, yielding social benefits that are truly immeasurable.

3. From "Curiosity-Driven" to "Admiration"-Inspired Brand Upgrade

Facing early controversies, the park has been continuously reflecting and making improvements. In recent years, it has placed greater emphasis on protecting the rights of its "little people" performers, enhancing their career development opportunities and quality of life. At the same time, in terms of its core values, the park has gradually shifted from highlighting "spectacle" to focusing more on "humanistic care" and "inspirational spirit." Meanwhile, it continues to invest heavily in facility upgrades and project innovations, striving to deliver an even better experience for visitors. Today, "Mini World" has evolved from its original status as a "curiosity-driven destination" into a vibrant "inspirational education hub" and a "humanistic tourism attraction"—a place that not only spreads positive energy but also promotes humanitarian values.

In today’s era, where individuals seek personalized experiences, value spiritual fulfillment, and emphasize social responsibility, the unique appeal of Kunming Little People Kingdom Theme Park has become increasingly evident.

A profound education about life. It allows us to see the diversity and resilience of life, helping us learn respect and compassion.

A heartwarming emotional experience. Here, what you gain is not just joy, but also moments of inspiration and reflection.

A unique tourism example. It explores the potential of theme parks to combine social and economic benefits.

A mirror reflecting societal progress, witnessing society's transformation—from neglect to awareness, and from exclusion to inclusion—toward marginalized groups.

Final thoughts:

Kunming Little People's Kingdom Theme Park, though still facing some controversy, hopes to stay true to its original vision and mission—telling stories about life, dignity, dreams, and love in the most straightforward and heartfelt way.

This act itself is even more a journey that touches the heart.

( The article expresses only the author's views and does not represent the platform's stance. )