Photo story: In China, it’s a small world after all

A casting call went out across China earlier this year, in newspapers and online: Entertainers needed for a new theme park, no special skills needed. The only requirement? You must be shorter than 4'3."

The performers who answered the call are on stage at The Kingdom of Dwarves because they are different, and in China, being different often means being a spectacle.

GlobalPost senior correspondent Kathleen McLaughlin visited the magical Kingdom of Dwarves. Here is what she found:

A dwarf performs as a Qi Gong master during a twice-daily performance at the Kingdom of Dwarves, located in Yunnan province. The park is recruiting applicants shorter than 4 foot, 3 inches from any part of China. (GlobalPost)

A man in costume during a twice-daily performance at The Kingdom of Dwarves. (GlobalPost)

Men in costume perform at The Kingdom of Dwarves. (GlobalPost)

Men in costume perform at The Kingdom of Dwarves. (GlobalPost)

Performers in costume during a twice-daily performance at The Kingdom of Dwarves, located in Yunnan province. (GlobalPost)

A woman in an angel costume walks from the stage. (GlobalPost)

A performer watches others during a show at the Kingdom of Dwarves. (GlobalPost)

The "King" rides away on his three-wheel motor vehicle after a performance. (GlobalPost)

Yi Shaobo, 28, used to work in an auto parts factory in his native Wuhan, 1,200 miles east of here. He doesn't earn a lot more at the Kingdom of Dwarves, but he prefers it. (GlobalPost)

Romance is blossoming at The Kingsdom of Dwarves, with a number of workers finding partners. This couple met at the park and have been dating for two months already. (GlobalPost)

The happy couple. (GlobalPost)

A man tends to miniature horses. (GlobalPost)