The 2012 Miss Datong Competition begin in Datong city, Shanxi province, on July 15, 2012. The winner of the competition will be an image ambassador for the Chinese ancient capital of Datong.

Sponsored by the Datong municipal publicity department, Datong broadcasting TV station and Beijing-based Asia-Pacific Cultural Transmission Media Limited Company, the event is aimed at choosing a beautiful, graceful, classic and smart girl to display the mental outlook of Datong people and city image of the ancient capital.

The competition is divided into three sections in Beijing, Datong and Taiyuan, Shanxi province's capital city. It consists of three phases, including preliminary heats, quarter-final and final.

Guests also enjoyed a city cruise and charity banquet.

Cycling fans take photos with model guests at the launch ceremony in Daton on July 15, 2012.

Guests kick off the Miss Datong Competition at Yanhua Temple Square on July 15, 2012.

Li Dong'e, the spokeswoman of the Miss Datong Competition and silver medalist in China of Miss World 2011 competition, delivers a speech at the start of this year’s Miss Datong Competition on July 15, 2012.

Edited by Fu Bo and Chris Clark