There's never a quiet day when Miss World hits the road, and today was certainly no exception. It may only have been last night that the contestants were treated to a dinner cruise to take in Shanghai's spectacular skyline, but this morning there was more sightseeing to be done in the heart of the city. The first stop was the oasis of calm that is the Yu Garden. The contestants were shown across the famous zigzag bridge to the picturesque tea house, situated in the middle of a lake. Quite a crowd gathered to see them all as they posed for pictures amidst the flowers and fountains. 
Next stop was the Royal Meridien Hotel Shanghai for a little morning tea. Blueberry muffins, pistachio biscuits, huge bowls of fruit and a huge range of drinks were greeted with great enthusiasm by all the contestants - it had been a very warm day and it was just what was needed.
A walk through the bustling streets provided the opportunity for a little window shopping and everyone was very taken with the bright shop windows and inviting stalls.
Elizaveta Golovanova of Russia poses in the Royal Meridien post tea!The event, held in the glorious and sparkling environs of the hotel ballroom, was hosted by the General Manager, Daniel Aylmer. Daniel has had a long-standing bond with Miss World and has now played host to Miss World on more occasions than any other hotel.
Daniel Aylmer, General Manager of the Royal Meridien Shanghai, receives a warm thanks from the contestantsDaniel took the floor to a round of applause from all present for his lovely gesture in inviting us. He said he was honoured to have entertained Miss World because he knew the contestants were all bringing something special to China and were there to do good. His easy rapport with the crowd earned him a huge cheer.
Waving a fond farewell to the hotel and a large crowd that had gatheredWhen we spoke to him later and asked him how it felt to be hosting us he said that it was 'very personal'. He has known Julia Morley for so long and loves what Miss World does - working so hard to make a difference, so he is happy to do so whenever he can.
The contestants take the tram to Century SquareFinal pictures taken outside (with a hearty thanks and a wave from all the contestants) and it was into some waiting trams to Century Square for the final part of the proceedings.
Amina Dagi of Austria and Laura Beyne of Belgium wave hello to Century SquareThe ladies were presented to Shanghai on a special stage. They walked out two by two and were introduced by a compere. When all the girls were on stage they treated the crowd to a rendition of the Miss World theme song, before shaking the hands of the government officials who helped make the trip happen.
Singing the Miss World song, One World, One DreamBack aboard the buses and hotel bound, the contestants were free to reflect on a delightful morning of sightseeing. Next up for the ladies is the World Fashion Designer Award so make sure to read all about it on MissWorld.com.
Iris Thomsen of Denmark shakes the hand of a government representative
source: Missworld, Missosology
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