19-year-old He Pingping, who only measures 73 centimeters (2.4 feet), is applying for the Guinness World Record as the world's shortest man.

Born in Huade county, Wulanchabu city in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, He Pingping was only the size of an adult's palm at birth, according to his father He Yun.

However, his tiny size benefits him enormously. In January, he had the proud experience of attending a show in Tokyo, Japan, with the invitation of a local television station.

Interestingly, his home of Inner Mongolia is also home to the world's tallest man, 2.36-meter Bao Xishun, according to the Guinness World Records.

(CRI.cn April 5, 2007)