The Miss World contest is stepping up a gear here in Ordos, China with the arrival of the first contestants.

There was a flurry of activity as Claudine Book, the contestant for the United States, arrived and she was followed quickly by the girls from Fiji, Paraguay, Guatamala and the Seychelles.

Claudine (US) looking fresh-faced and happy as she checks in

After a bit of a rest, the girls got to know each other ahead of preparing for the start of the rehearsals and costume fittings.

Left to right: Monique Lopez (Guatemala), Sherlyn Furneau (Seychelles) and Claudine Book (US)

We have some very special things lined up for them over the next few days (prepare for some seriously amazing outfits) and you will get to see all the action right here on MissWorld.com.

Koini Vakaloloma (Fiji) relaxes with her fellow contestants

We’ll be bringing you more photos of the contestants as they arrive so remember to check back here for exclusive pictures!

For broadcast details of the final show, please see below (please note that screenings for other territories will be announced soon):

The Miss World final will be broadcast on TV5 in the Philippines on August 18th at 19.30 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on Paris Premier in France on August 18th at 13.30 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on Televisa in Mexico on August 18th at 07.00 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on Star TV in Turkey on August 18th at 17.00 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on Zee TV in India on August 18th at 17.00 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on Venevision in Venezuela on August 18th at 7.30 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on Medcom in Panama on August 18th at 07.00 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on RCTI in Indonesia on August 18th at 19.00 local time

The Miss World final will be broadcast on SABC in South Africa on August 18th at 13.30 local time