Contestants arrive for the welcome party. [Photo/Xinhua]

"It is just the beginning, and there is still long way to go. I know I need to learn many more things in the future. Please believe me that I will try hard to do better and be braver in this new journey. Like what I said in the contest, I will move on with responsibility. Do more, expect less," Yuan wrote in her micro-blog last week.

This year, the contest finally announced it will scrap the bikini competition, which has been part of the pageant since 1951. Julia Morley, chairwoman of the Miss World Organization, said in July: "I really don't need to see women walking up and down in their bikinis. It doesn't do anything for the woman. And it doesn't do anything for any of us."