Belles from more than 120 countries and regions have arrived in Sanya, Hainan province for the 65th Miss World finals, scheduled on Dec 19.

During a welcome banquet held on Nov 23, Yue Jin, deputy mayor of Sanya said that the pageant’s motto - Beauty With a Purpose is consistent with the city’s cultural connotation and identity.

The reigning Miss World, Rolene Strauss of South Africa said on the occasion that now Sanya has become home of Miss Worlds and she is looking forward to crowning her successor soon.

Yuan Lu, who was crowned Miss World China 2015 earlier this month will represent China in the upcoming event. Yuan, 21, is a junior at Zhejiang University of Media and Communications.

In the month-long activities, the contestants will have rehearsals and attend local events such as the Hainan Carnival before the finals.

As far as history of Miss World pageant is concerned, it was incepted in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951. Sixty-four sessions have been held so far in more than 20 countries and regions, and covered 150 countries worldwide.

Positioned itself as an institution for humanitarian causes, the pageant has raised millions of pounds for charities around the globe under the banner of its "Beauty with a Purpose" program.

But, it was not the first time the popular tourist destination is hosting the prestigious event- the Miss World finals. The city hosted it in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2010 as well.

The tourism city of Sanya hosts a welcome banquet for the 2015 Miss World contestants from across the world, Nov 23. [Photo by Zeng Yuqing / chinadaily.com.cn]

Yue Jin, deputy mayor of Sanya addresses the finalists at the welcome banquet for the 2015 Miss World finals, Sanya, Nov 23. [Photo by Zeng Yuqing / chinadaily.com.cn]