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These pictures were taken inside the Dwarf Empire, a controversial theme park where more than 100 dwarves live and put on shows for tourists.

The commune, which is overseen by an emperor, an empress and a parliament, was built in 2009 in Kunming in southwestern China.

At 10.30am and 3.30pm every day, the residents put on costumes and perform a variety show for visitors, which could involve acrobatics, sport, singing and dancing.

The residents, who range between two feet and just over four feet in size, are drawn from all across China and live in small mushroom-shaped houses.

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

(Image: Barcroft Media)

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Many Western tourists are said to feel uneasy about visiting the Dwarf Empire, fearing that it is exploitative.

As Matt Poulter of website eChinacities wrote: "Is Dwarf Empire providing its employees with a legitimate means of earning their living, or is it just exploiting them and cashing in on the fact that they are dwarves?

"Well, probably a bit of both is our conclusion after visiting."

But theme park bosses pointed out to Chris Horton of the Go Kunming website that dwarves working at the park are paid better than university graduates in nearby Kunming can command.