Miss World 2012 winner is Yu Wenxia of China

In front of her home crowd in Ordos, China, Yu Wenxia (above, center) was crowned the Miss World 2012 winner on Saturday (Aug. 18), reports the AFP. The 23-year-old aspiring music teacher is China's second Miss World winner.

Miss Wales Sophie Moulds (above, left) was runner-up and Miss Australia Jessica Kahawaty (above, right) came in third. Miss Mexico Mariana Reynoso, had been the odds-on favorite to win, but did not make the final seven. U.S. contestant Claudine Book was in the Top 15 semi-finalists.

When asked why she should be crowned the winner, Yu answered, "When I was young I felt very lucky because so many people helped me, and I hope in the future I can help more children to feel lucky."

During their month-long stay in China, the 116 contestants learned how to churn yogurt in a nomad's yurt and donned local clothing to climb sand dunes.