Yu Wenxia, Miss China, won the coveted title of Miss World on Saturday night, where the event was held in her home country of China.
MissWorld.com reports that Wenxia beat out 116 contestants from around the world. Wenxia is the second woman from China to be crowned Miss World since 2007 when Zhang Zilin won the crown.
The mostly Chinese audience erupted in cheers and fireworks lit up the sky when it was announced that the home candidate, 23-year-old Yu Wenxia, had been awarded the title. This is the first time for the Inner Mongolian city of Ordos to host the international beauty pageant.
Last year's Miss World - Ivian Sarcos of Venezuela - handed over her crown in the futuristic Dongsheng stadium in the northeastern city of Ordos.
After winning the award, Wenxia said that she hoped to use the crown to make children around the world feel lucky.
"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," the new Miss World 2012 said.
Sophie Elizabeth Moulds of Wales was the runner up at the Miss World 2012 beauty pageant, and Jessica Michelle Kahawaty of Australia came in third.
According to her bio on MissWorld.com, Wenxia is a music student who wants to become a teacher. "She describes herself as someone who follows her dreams with a smile, and says her favorite food is dumplings."
Below is a video of the opening ceremonies from Miss World 2012:
