India's Manushi Chhillar crowned Miss World 2017

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The spotlight was on Sanya, the southern end of China’s Hainan Island, as it held the 67th edition of the Miss World beauty contest at the Sanya City Arena.

It’s the eighth time in 15 years that China hosted the Miss World pageant, with the first time in 2003, also held in Sanya.

China in the past has had two previous representatives win the title of Miss World – Zhang Zilin in 2007 and Yu Wenxia in 2012.

Apart from the United Kingdom, China has hosted the most amount of Miss World events.

Julia Morley, the CEO of the Miss World Organisation, comments on why they keep coming back to China to host the event. "It’s not really just the place, it’s the people. They’re really kind and they’re warm. Even if you can’t speak together the same language, you manage to make each other understood. And they’re so kind and gentle.”

Julia Morley, the CEO of the Miss World Organisation. /CGTN Photo

"I think if you have happy, nice people to be with, that’s the place you want to go for a holiday. So I come here because we love the place. There are lots of other places you can go but I think it’s really something special." Julia Morley said.

The 118 contestants, who represented their countries and regions, spent a month preparing and competing for the big night.

But after cruising her way to the final stage of the competition and sailing through the dreaded Question and Answer portion with the Top 5 candidates, it was Manushi Chhillar from India who triumphed.

Miss World Finals 2017. /CGTN Photo

In second place was Miss Mexico, Andrea Meza, and Stephanie Hill from England came third.

CGTN was the first to interview the new Miss World, Manushi Chhillar said after her win, "It’s still sinking in to be honest but I think I am on top of the world right now… I think the whole journey has been really incredible because I’ve been with these beautiful girls and I just made amazing memories over here."

As Manushi’s reign begins, the road to finding the next Miss World also starts now.

But the question is where will the event be held in 2018? Well, Julia Morley says that will remain a secret.