next photo

prev photo

BETHESDA, Maryland–Fifteen finalists are competing in the 2010 Second Washington Metropolitan Miss Chinese American Beauty Pageant. The pageant will be held on September 17 at the Strathmore Music Center here.

Winners will receive scholarships valued at $50,000. The top three winners will travel to China as friendship ambassadors, promoting business, tourism, and cultural exchange between the U.S. and China.

The contestants are as follows: Jasmine Chen, Erica Yangling, Jennie Tran, Valentina Wang, Winnie Liang, Kathy Shi, Catherine Wang, Jiefei Yuan, Melody Cheng, Patty Yao, Serina Lin, YuMeng Qin, Fay Yu, Cindy Chau, and Lucy Wang.

The event is expected to draw close to 2,000 visitors that will include local and state officials, VIP guests from China, business executives, and local celebrities.

Last month, the finalists were presented at a press conference. They traveled to Washington, D.C. for a photo session and a meet and greet session with the public. Their tour included stops at the “Friendship Archway” in historic Chinatown.