The main objective of the beauty pageant is to develop the infrastructure of tourism in Suzhou, China, as well as strengthening the friendly and cultural ties between the participating countries from different corners of the world to Suzhou and also in support of the program of development of tourism in this city.

This is the first time Suzhou will host a big beauty event of this stature. They have invited about 75 beautiful ambassadors from the world to their historic city which is an hour’s drive from Shanghai Pudong Airport. It is part of the China Pearl Festival. This 10 day beauty and tourism affair will include visits to the Beautiful Lotus Gardens, Weitang Pearl Lake, A charity gala and the Miss Leisure World finals.

Suzhou will use the Miss Leisure 2008 Pageant to showcase their magnificent lotus & stone gardens, Silk Culture, Chinese cuisines and Chinese culture to the world. The Miss Leisure 2008 World finals will be televised live to more then 800 million views in China and the world.

About Suzhou

One of the famous shopping area is Guanqian Street, named after the Mysterious Taoist Temple. With a history of more than 150 years, it is well-known for many first century characteristic shops such as Daoxaingcun Confectionery Shop, Qiantaixiang Silk Shop, Huangtianyuan Round Dumpling Shop. Its catering street, which is located between Taijian Lane and Bifeng Lane, is well-known for Suzhou-style Dishes. And the Mysterious Taoist Temple, one of National Key Preservation Units, attracts tens of thousands of vistors both home and abroad with its profound Taoism culture.

After one century of ups and downs, Guanqian commercial center nowadays has been completely renewed by the lead of CPC Suzhou Municipal Committee and Municipal Government with huge capital. The reconstructed Guanqian Street has been becoming a commercial, cultural, religionary and travel center with rich local color and sound, traffic network, perfect infrastructure, rational overall commercial arrangement and excellent investment environment.

Suzhou has many scenic spots is well known in China. As the saying goes - 'Gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them'. These gardens attain their high reputation not only for their vast numbers, but also for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. At present more than 60 gardens are kept intact in Suzhou, and a series of them have been listed in the World Heritage List, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Lingering Garden, the Garden of Master of Nets and the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty.