A Two-Dimensional Disney Built on Pure Belief
This is the real story of an island that exists because people believe in it.
Thirty-four young people live as island residents in every corner. They genuinely believe in the island’s existence. They embody their roles with pure faith.
They polish costumes and perfect movements. They lose themselves in their characters. They help visitors forget reality too. Together, they enter this authentic dream.
Leaving behind life’s mundane details, today I am an islander. With deep love for gaming and anime culture, the dream-makers invest themselves completely. They too live within the dream.
The island in the dream is our real home. We are a real family.
Living a Dream for Three Days Only
The red-haired farmer stretched out both arms. She hugged the girl in the blue floral dress. The girl burst into the farmer’s embrace and suddenly started crying. The farmer panicked too.
Neither had tissues. The farmer wiped away the girl’s tears with her hands. “Don’t cry, my protagonist. Don’t be sad.” The girl sobbed, “Baby, I’m just a bit hurt, but seeing you makes me so happy.”
This was August 2025’s second weekend on Renaissance Island in Shanghai’s Yangpu District. At RED LAND.
RED LAND is a real-world “pain island.” It’s a massive gaming and anime exhibition spanning 80,000 square meters. More than fifty famous gaming and two-dimensional IPs gather here.
Exhibition booths connect along themed routes like quest points waiting to be discovered. Three sections total: “Time-Travel Port,” “Rebirth Trial Ground,” and “Daydreaming Forest.”
Visitors must personally “run the map” to explore. They complete a full “open world” adventure journey.
The Thirty-Four Believers
The orange-haired farmer with twin ponytails is called “Million Farmer Know-It-All.” She’s an islander in RED LAND’s third section, “Daydreaming Forest.”
Her main job? Tend her field full of turnips. Take photos with visiting players. Post them in the vegetable garden as memories.
The island has thirty-four total residents played by thirty-four actors. They inhabit every corner of the island. They genuinely believe in the island’s existence. They embody their roles with pure conviction.
They wear headbands saying “I’m an Islander, Accept Inquiries.” They tell every visiting player: “Dear protagonist, welcome home!”
Besides giving directions and answering questions, islanders hold players’ hands when they’re tired. They give big hugs.
Every visiting player gets called “protagonist” by the islanders. In these native islanders’ eyes, protagonists are family. After trials in the three-dimensional world, they’ve finally returned home.
The Power of Performance
The actress playing the farmer is Qiuqiu. She’s a post-2000s girl who loves anime culture. Two years out of drama school.
She’s short with a round face. Sweet voice. Brown freckles dotting her cheeks. Adorable appearance.
Meeting each “protagonist,” she gives huge hugs. If it’s a girl, the embrace gets more intimate. Cheek to cheek.
When people respond warmly, Qiuqiu points in a direction. “Look over there.” When they turn their heads, she leans in. Plants a kiss on their cheek.
These interactions? All Qiuqiu’s own design.
Qiuqiu loves this work. Playing an islander requires conviction. It needs genuine love and investment. True belief in your character.
Islanders love every visiting protagonist. Feeling wronged? Collapse crying into an islander’s arms. Any request? Seek help from islanders.
These days, island visitors gradually comment on islanders’ social media posts: “At thirty-plus, I got coddled like a baby after landing.”
More Than Expected Returns
Full investment brought them rewards. The islanders discovered this job gave them far more feedback than expected.
Xu Mozhen initially approached this performance with the same professional responsibility as any other job. But she gained a completely different immersive experience.
She plays a trial guide in RED LAND’s second section, “Rebirth Trial Ground.” Her character: the island’s strongest female warrior. She waits at the entrance for people landing on the island. She guides everyone through trials.
Born in 2000, Xu Mozhen graduated with a business management degree. She worked in tourism. In 2025, she quit her job. She planned to fully invest in anime culture career. Going to various exhibitions as a cosplayer.
She said her previous job was ordinary. Like all occupations, just a job. But anime culture is her true passion.
Building Bridges Through Stories
The trial guide character is relatively steady. Xu Mozhen tells protagonists: “I’m our island’s strongest warrior. I’ve lived here 500 years. I know many things. I can protect everyone’s trial safety. Ask me anything.”
Initially, Xu Mozhen worried about talking too much. Would people find her annoying?
Later, she discovered something. People don’t just treat islanders as direction guides. Instead, they willingly stop for islanders. They listen to their stories.
Xu Mozhen tells players: “I’m the dragon-slaying warrior here. I guard the island’s safety. I’ve lived on the island 500 years. Today I finally waited for you.”
The other person gets surprised. “Wow, you’ve been waiting for me?” They start chatting like this.
Many players say they’ll come back to find her later.
One character gets played by two islanders. They rotate every hour. Xu Mozhen tells players she has an arch-nemesis. She’s called “Light,” her opponent “Shadow.” They look similar. Both female warriors.
“If you see her, remember to tell me – am I cooler or is she cooler?” These character settings and story plots come from character biographies Xu Mozhen wrote with her team.
With stories, the female warrior becomes rich and three-dimensional. Emotions flow through stories. Bridges get built. Real connections form between protagonists and islanders.
The Healing Power of Belief
When Xu Mozhen sees introverted players hesitating before the trial ground, she brings them along. She swings swords with them. She encourages everyone to show their spirit.
Initially, Xu Mozhen worried: would people be willing to do this with me?
Later, she found every player very cooperative. Some even ask to borrow weapons. Xu Mozhen says: “This is my favorite weapon. But seeing how handsome you are, of course I can lend it to you.”
Bufu went from initial worry and nervousness to increasingly immersed and reluctant to leave.
The 25-year-old Bufu plays Save Potato Butler in the second section “Rebirth Trial Ground.” She’s responsible for saving everyone’s game progress.
She has long reddish-brown curls in twin ponytails. Small wings by her head. Wearing a red polka-dot overall dress. Looking like a little red mushroom.
Save Potato Butler is full of enthusiasm and energy. “Hello everyone, welcome to RED LAND. I’m Save Potato Butler. Save Potato is our island’s most powerful guardian. We’ve waited for everyone on this island for a long time! Welcome home, eternal protagonists!”
This is Bufu’s self-introduction every time she meets players.
The Reality of Care
The rebirth trial ground has many competitive IP gameplay methods. Players need effort to collect badges. Therefore, all islanders in the rebirth trial ground have an important mission: encourage everyone to work hard collecting badges.
Seeing players, Bufu first observes how many badges they wear. After greetings, she asks: “Have you collected the rarest golden badge?”
If they answer yes, she says: “Wow! So jealous! Please let me see!”
If not, she says: “What? Haven’t collected it yet! Then you must work harder! Just collect three ordinary badges to get one golden badge! Come on, come on!”
Seeing slightly tired players, she encourages them not to give up. “We have a Daydreaming Forest ahead. The forest has super cute guides and little sprites. Everyone must explore hard!”
Most importantly, make players feel they’re truly this island’s protagonists. “We’ve really known each other for a very, very long time.” This is this island’s most basic worldview.
This requires actors to have extremely strong conviction. Can’t break character. Can’t act beyond character settings. Face protagonists with genuine sincerity.
The Dream Makers’ Journey
The activity venue is outdoor. Seeing protagonists covered in sweat, Bufu feels sorry for them. She actively tells them: “Protagonist, you must watch out for heat stroke. If you need any help, tell me anytime.”
Islander efforts are the first ring of this dream construction. They tell every player “Dear protagonist, welcome home!” They use full emotions to comfort players’ fatigue and irritation from high temperatures and physical exhaustion.
Twenty-year-old Ajin plays “Forest Guide” on the island. Wearing a green tulle dress like a little sprite.
Her section is the route’s final stop, “Daydreaming Forest.” Those days, many island visitors wore elaborate makeup and heavy cosplay costumes. They had to complete tasks outdoors.
Many people had heavy steps reaching Ajin’s position. Covered in sweat. Faces sunburned red. Showing worried expressions.
Then Ajin would bloom the most sincere smile. Wave at people from far away. Tell them “You’ve worked hard.”
After warm exchanges, Ajin could clearly feel players’ emotions gradually recovering. More smiles appeared on their faces.
The Mutual Healing
Standing at the second section’s end, Bufu would also send energy to somewhat tired players. Full of vitality, encouraging everyone: “You actually collected so many badges, so jealous!!” “Three ordinary badges can exchange for one golden badge! Come on, come on!”
Such comfort and encouragement also tests islanders’ physical strength. Long-term outdoor high-intensity physical and emotional labor. Ajin sometimes couldn’t support herself physically.
When most tired, her arms had no strength to wave. Couldn’t speak. Couldn’t catch her breath.
Then she’d turn around. Give herself two or three seconds of emptiness. Then gather spirit to continue.
Ajin’s hard work didn’t go to waste. After the first day, many posts from players appeared on social media.
“Moved by RED LAND’s NPC ladies! So professional!”
“Really thank every islander!! They definitely don’t know their energy really infected me several times when I was nearly dead from heat. Emotions really get driven by them.”
“Hope next meeting won’t be too long apart. Thanks to RED LAND and all islander teachers for giving us a fairy-tale-like exhibition.”
Some even attached videos of Ajin’s enthusiastic service.
This being seen comforted Ajin’s hardship. It brought her continuing energy.
Beyond Professional Duty
Bufu never expected that while she treated players as “protagonists” to cherish, players also treated them as family. They cared about their feelings.
Islanders kept moving in blazing sun. Shouting greetings to protagonists. Very physically demanding.
Bufu discovered players didn’t treat them as virtual world tool people. Instead, they’d notice their real condition. Actively approach with care.
People saw her elaborate makeup. Heavy wigs. Cumbersome costumes. Face full of sweat beads. During conversations, they’d blow their handheld fans toward her. Some would take out tissues to wipe her sweat. Tell her: “You’ve worked hard.”
One player took many photos of Bufu. Not just keeping them personally. Also gave her a Polaroid as a memento. Because this was their “shared memory.”
This experience was mutual.
The second day, they met again. Like old friends reuniting after long separation. They hugged excitedly together.
In regular work, such “being cared for” and “being seen” is rare. More often it’s mechanically completing one’s job duties. Matter-of-fact.
This warm emotion was unexpected bonus. It moved Bufu deeply.
The Protagonist Effect
This moving feeling made Bufu more invested. Seeing protagonists again the second day, Bufu told them: “Protagonist, you came again. How was yesterday’s battle result? What golden badges did you collect? What goals do you plan today? I really like the Polaroid you gave me yesterday. I put it in my bag’s inner layer. Hope you can have fun.”
That player told Bufu: “The weather’s too hot. Sometimes I felt I couldn’t walk anymore. But seeing you, I feel energetic again!”
During break time chatting with other islanders, Bufu found others had similar feelings.
Including herself, many islanders initially thought they were just “small characters.” They wouldn’t get much attention. Only island players were the setting’s “protagonists.”
They never thought that as NPCs, they were also “protagonists” in players’ eyes.
The Circle of Care
Islanders treated players with care and encouragement. Players returned the same concentration of love and concern.
Bufu received many compliments from players. People would tell her upon seeing her: “You’re really so cute, so energetic.”
Caring words gradually became daily routine over several days. “The weather’s so hot, you guys really work hard.” Some said this while taking tissues from bags to wipe her sweat.
Renaissance Island’s infrastructure wasn’t well-developed. Many players carried full backpacks of snacks. Originally prepared for themselves.
Bufu said players sympathized with their hardship. Often took out backpack snacks to share with her. She received lollipops and cookies players gave her. Some specially bought her popsicles and ice water.
Many players appeared all three days. Islanders discovered that when reuniting the second day, players could really recognize them. Like old friends reuniting after long separation. Excitedly waving: “We meet again!”
People who were strangers outside the island hugged like old friends when reuniting.
This is a rare experience. On the island, strange young people gathered due to shared interests. They invested goodwill and care in each other.
High-concentration emotions dissolved real society’s coldness and barriers. They created authentic connections.
The Real Story Behind the Magic
Islanders were seen, respected, and loved. Not treated as one-sided service providers. Not hurried passersby. But remembered as friends.
Qiuqiu said everyone who came was very sincere. One girl played a very cute character the first day. She told her she’d come see her the second day. The second day she came dressed as a funny male character.
Qiuqiu was very surprised. She never expected this player really remembered her. Specially came to find her. Even shared her new outfit and collected golden badges.
Creating real dreams requires more than islanders and protagonists’ mutual dedication. It also needs staff members’ efforts beyond the islanders.
Staff care for islanders also gave islanders motivation to persist.
During rehearsal days, Xu Mozhen encountered her menstrual period. Under high temperatures, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, nausea. Her physiology reached limits.
She considered giving up. But staff care and support let her persist.
Seeing her discomfort, all surrounding staff came to care for her. Other islanders also encouraged her: “It’s okay, it’s okay. You rest first.”
People helped her buy medicine and water. They took care of her. She felt the team’s warmth and love. She felt the strength this support gave her.
“Everyone treats me well. I can’t leave at this time.”
Continuous Improvement
After the first day, many islanders’ voices became hoarse. The second day, staff immediately equipped every islander with microphones.
Considering the venue’s size, players were obviously physically exhausted reaching the third section. Staff also added shuttle bus numbers overnight.
Ajin said after adding shuttle buses the latter two days, players’ steps were obviously lighter entering the small forest.
Islanders also became more familiar with gameplay flows. They could provide more correct guidance.
The first day, Bufu memorized all IP booth locations clearly. But later found this still wasn’t enough.
Some exhibitors set up two booths. You had to go to one booth first to get experience tickets. Then go to another booth for experience activities.
Evenings, Bufu and other islanders had crash courses. They memorized all processes. The second day’s directions went much smoother.
The Tears of Dreamers
Xu Mozhen was glad she chose to persist. These three days were life experiences worth remembering.
Xu Mozhen’s personality is steady. She’s usually not used to showing emotions. But when the show ended that day, like all players and islanders on site, she cried.
Every night after islanders finished work, they could receive many private messages on social media. See many posts praising themselves. This sincere recognition brought them satisfaction.
Every post written for islanders, Bufu would carefully read. Like, save, comment, and interact.
Some people specially made islander illustrated guides. They took photos of them. Added each person’s character name. Every islander had a name and identity. All were seen and cared for.
Some islanders discovered the second and third days, many players came specifically for them. Islanders moved frequently. Their positions weren’t fixed. Some people would specially search to meet certain islanders.
This “being seen” and “being valued” were precious experiences in their lives.
Memory Palace
After that night ended, every “protagonist’s” face became exclusive memory imprinted in Xu Mozhen’s mind.
Closing her eyes to rest on the road, these days’ experiences replayed scene by scene in her mind. Filling her heart.
For Xu Mozhen, anime culture is spiritual sustenance. Anime fans have shared passion. Everyone works hard for it regardless of cost. This existence itself is moving.
RED LAND is a utopia existing through protagonists’ and islanders’ belief and goodwill.
These days later, she found she seemed to really become an islander.
Communicating with players, she could forget all trivialities in real life. No various concerns.
In daily communication with people, you need reservations. Always think three times before speaking. “Should I say this sentence? Is it right to say?”
But here, she felt connection between two hearts. This was hard to obtain in past efficiency-first, professional-first work environments.
“Our hearts only have our beloved anime culture. We bring passion and love. Care for each other. Very simple. Very pure.” Xu Mozhen said.
From Givers to Receivers
Just like this, over three days, islanders who injected conviction into their roles gradually also drew energy from players’ conviction.
From “givers” they became “receivers.” They were reversely healed by players.
In past exhibitions, cosplayers only displayed one-sidedly. Output. Main task was promoting IPs.
But this time, islanders’ main task was welcoming protagonists. Having real interactions with protagonists.
This was more like anime culture’s own Disney.
Islanders were three-dimensional and vivid. They’d tell players their stories. They’d interact with players according to their characters.
Xu Mozhen’s female warrior would swing swords with players together. Qiuqiu’s farmer would tend her vegetable garden. Water the garden. Prevent players from stealing vegetables.
Finding Authenticity
Ajin is still a junior at Anhui Hefei University. Studying film and television drama performance. A trained performer.
She thought RED LAND’s most special aspect was this: whether playing film and TV characters or cosplaying anime figures, those characters belong to many people.
But RED LAND’s islander characters belonged uniquely to her. She created and defined them. This was very different. She was the “Forest Guide” itself.
When players mentioned “Forest Guide,” they thought of her. Ajin.
Ajin felt anime culture made her better. During adolescence, Ajin fell into serious appearance anxiety.
Cosplay let her try makeup for the first time. Wear beautiful clothes for the first time.
At exhibitions, her outfits were actually childish. But all fellow fans praised and encouraged her. She felt kindness and warmth.
She discovered she could play various characters. She no longer cared about others’ eyes. She could bravely be herself. She could shine.
The Awakening
Bufu cried on the plane from Shanghai back to Yunnan.
RED LAND’s three days were like a big dream. She was immersed in it. Unwilling to wake up.
At RED LAND, everyone could briefly escape reality. Didn’t need to think about work or exams. Each day only needed to consider: how many badges did I collect today? How many good friends did I make? Carefree.
When the dream ended, she had to return to Yunnan hometown. Prepare for teacher certification exams.
Her daily life often went between home and library. Two points, one line. Studying for exams and doing problems.
When born, Bufu’s family considered naming her Yiping. They hoped her life would be safe and peaceful. They didn’t expect her to achieve great things. Just live stably through life.
Life is ordinary. Anime culture is its fanciest part.
She chose teaching as a profession to leave time for anime culture.
At RED LAND, sunlight slightly piercing through “Time-Travel Port” suspension bridges. Wind whistling through “Rebirth Trial Ground” warehouses. “Daydreaming Forest’s” cicada sounds mixed with floral water fragrance.
These dreamy scenes are eternally unforgettable memories. They can be savored late at night.
The Garden of Memory
Qiuqiu’s heart missed her little vegetable garden. She thought she’d definitely come back next year to see her vegetable patch.
One year after graduation, she felt current life was always empty and boring. Work was dull.
In her solo rental room, she always felt lonely. Heart empty. No more roommates. No more classes.
After matter-of-fact work ended, the world left only her alone. Anime culture is essential content filling her daily life.
But at RED LAND, this was an amusement park. Everyone’s enthusiasm could heal daily decadence.
“Here, you’re the happiest, most important. You’re everyone’s protagonist.” Qiuqiu said.
At closing time, Qiuqiu met that crying girl again. This time, Qiuqiu couldn’t help crying. The girl wiped Qiuqiu’s tears instead.
The girl told Qiuqiu she’d come to the island to find her next year. “You’ll definitely become the most amazing islander.”
The Final Goodbye
Nine-thirty PM. Bufu walked from the rest room to the exit. During this, she passed through the entire RED LAND.
The venue usually packed with people was now empty. Bufu felt desolate.
At the exit, all islanders stood in two rows. Waving bubble machines and glow sticks.
Exhibition booths usually lit up were now dark. Bubbles floated in the air. Glow sticks flickered bright and dim.
Protagonists walked out one by one to say goodbye. Tears in their eyes. Shouting names of islanders they knew: “I’ll come back to see you next year!”
“How is an exhibition not a kind of celebration? You can connect passionately and sincerely with so many people. Then realize I don’t need to face outside awfulness alone.”
Social media user @Haose was one of RED LAND’s protagonists. His bio reads: “May we shine with idealistic light.”
@KuroNekoSama originally thought this was just an ordinary exhibition. But when he walked toward the exit, seeing NPCs lining up to greet him, looking into his eyes saying “See you tomorrow! Bye protagonist.”
For a moment, he felt he really was this adventure world’s protagonist. The adventure hadn’t ended. He just needed to return to the inn temporarily to recharge.
Life’s suppression, lack of recognition, anxiety vanished at this moment.
“They seemed to tell me: don’t worry. I’m forever this world’s protagonist. I can still continue living after tomorrow’s sunrise.”
And Bufu, along with other islanders, waved hard toward the protagonists.
“Goodbye protagonists! We’ll miss you! See you next time!”
The Real Story’s Legacy
This is the real story of RED LAND. Not just an exhibition or performance. But a testament to human connection in digital age.
In a world where authentic relationships feel increasingly rare, these young people created something genuine. They proved that shared passion can build bridges between strangers.
They showed that belief has power. That caring for others heals ourselves too.
The island existed because they believed in it. And for three days, that belief was enough to make magic real.
The dream ended. But the connections remain. The memories endure. And next year, perhaps, the island will exist again.
Because someone will always believe.
Based on reporting by He Weiyu, edited by Luo Fangdan
