Miss China won the coveted title of Miss World on Saturday, triumphing on home soil in a mining city on the edge of the Gobi desert.

The mostly Chinese audience erupted in cheers when it was announced that the home candidate, Yu Wenxia, had been awarded the title.

Explaining during the final why she should win the Miss World title, Yu said: "When I was young I felt very lucky because so many people helped me, and I hope in the future I can help more children to feel lucky."

Last year's Miss World -- Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela -- handed over her crown in the futuristic Dongsheng stadium in the northeastern city of Ordos.

A total of 116 contestants, the highest number ever, took to the stage during the contest, watched annually by about a billion people around the globe.

Ordos, around 700 kilometres (440 miles) from the nearest beach, is an unusual venue for the world's biggest beauty pageant.
Besides the traditional swimsuits and evening gowns, participants also donned outlandish costumes, with some dressed as belly dancers.

The beauty queens have been in China rehearsing for nearly a month, soaking up traditional Mongolian culture by churning yoghurt in a nomad's yurt and donning local attire to climb a sand dune.