The International & Professional Model Contest of Beauty Factory opened in Tianjin Binhai New Area on May 27. It drew in girls aged 16 or above and at least 165 centimeter tall, from a dozen provinces, vying for the top prizes, which are cash prizes and a chance to take part in the Chinese finals.

The International & Professional Model Contest of Beauty Factory opened in Tianjin Binhai New Area on May 27.[Photo/Xue Liqiang]

The head of the Tianjin division, Yang Bin, explained that this is more than just a model contest, because they want to promote a new type of talent and beauty show, with the idea of being smaller in-scale and of better quality, with other related activities to make some Internet stars and attract fans online.

The contestants are separated into teams for professionals, TV and films models, still models and cheongsam models. Several talent shows and football-themed reality shows will be held from June 11 to July 11.

The International & Professional Model Contest of Beauty Factory opened in Tianjin Binhai New Area on May 27.[Photo/Xue Liqiang]

Ultimately, 15 models will be selected by the organizers as “wine models”, for further professional training in performing, wine presentation, social behavior and marketing, and who will be expected to serve as image ambassadors, in fashion shows, enterprise endorsements, and TV series and films.

The organizers say they will work with talent recruiters to provide job opportunities for these girls.

The International & Professional Model Contest of Beauty Factory opened in Tianjin Binhai New Area on May 27.[Photo/Xue Liqiang]

The International & Professional Model Contest of Beauty Factory has been held at least 100 times across China since 2011.