There is a beauty epidemic and it is infecting the nation.

On Friday night in the Great Hall of the People, the Miss World contestants from around the world attended a grand evening banquet to raise fund for children.

They brought some of their belongings to auction.

The 53-year-old Miss World activity has so far raised 150 million pounds for charity purposes.

The banquet marks an end to their four-day stay in Beijing. They've been to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. They said the journey has been a wonderful experience.

Miss Puerto Rico said, " Everywhere we go has a magic ... "

Miss Croatia said, "People are really nice and polite, modern ..."

By hosting the 2003 Miss World Contest, China, the world's most populous nation has officially been put on the beauty pageant map.

The event represents a major break in traditional values which have long kept the Chinese, especially women, from publicly displaying beauty.

The final decision will be reached on December 6 in the southern tourist town of Sanya, Hainan province.

(CCTV.com November 22, 2003)