The annual Miss World pageant has come to China. One hundred and twenty of the world’s most beautiful women are vying for the title of Miss World in Sanya, south China. From the 21st of November, the contestants have been present at the Beauty Crown Hotel Complex. On the 19th of December, the final will take place at the Crown Theatre, a venue built especially for the competition. The Welcome Ceremony took place on the 23rd of November, featuring a grand presentation of the contestants. Wowing the public and international media, a parade infused with Chinese culture was a key highlight of the day.
The women enjoyed a day of shopping and took pride of place in the carnival opening ceremony in Haikou, the capital of China’s Hainan Province. Since 1972, the competition’s motto has been ‘beauty with purpose’. The event seeks to move beyond the purely superficial, injecting philanthropy and humanitarianism amongst the aesthetic appeal. In keeping with this spirit, the candidates took the chance while in Haikou to visit families in need.
Miss World is considered the oldest international beauty pageant, created in the UK by Eric Morley in 1951. The competition is held annually in different countries. The winner spends a year travelling and representing Miss World, and conducting the social activities required of the role. Many past winners have come from the emerging world. Last year, South African Rolene Strauss won the title of Miss World. As the contestants converge in China, the competition is just beginning.
