The 20th New Silk Road Chinese Model Contest kicked off on Aug 18, beginning for the first time with the Tianjin regional contest, held in Dongjiang Gulf in Tianjin Binhai New Area. The finals and the award ceremony of this regional contest are scheduled to be held on Oct 20.

The contest will be held in parks, studios, squares, and welfare agencies. Models will be judged over a range of activities, including outdoor photography, bikini modelling, and charity activities.

It is the first time Tianjin has had the opportunity to conduct a top-level modelling pageant. "The New Silk Road Model Contest was introduced to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of citizens and tourists, and to stimulate the development of Tianjin's tourism industry," said Ou Yonglin, general manager of the Tianjin Port Cultural and Media Corp.

"The contest will help improve Tianjin's fashion industry. As a Tianjin native, I hope my hometown will get better and better," said 21-year-old model Liu Lengshan.

The New Silk Road Model Contest was first held in the city of Guangzhou in 1989. The previous 19 pageants have successfully brought out a list of famous supermodels such as Du Juan, Qu Ying, Ma Yanli, Hu Bing, Jiang Peilin, and Xie Dongna.

Models pose at the 20th New Silk Road Chinese Model Contest - Tianjin Zone [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Related Photos: Models shine at New Silk Road Model Contest

Models pose at the 20th New Silk Road Chinese Model Contest - Tianjin Zone [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Related Photos: Models shine at New Silk Road Model Contest