On the road in China: Meeting Miss Beijing 

Source: ONE NewsMiss Beijing and Michael Burgess

Beauty queens can be found in the most unusual places.

On a press trip through area 798 - probably the most famous art area in China's capital - we came across Miss Beijing.

At least that is what her agent claimed.

On a modelling shoot at the iconic art installation, our beauty had been a finalist in the 2008 competition.

Her English name was Maggie, and unfortunately that was where it stopped, as her command of English was about as proficient as my Mandarin.

Our agent, who called himself Kevin, spotted the TV cameras accompanying our party and sensed his opportunity.

He wondered if we would be interested in some "international co-operation" with Maggie because "she is very famous in China and can help promote your company".

However, there was a lot more to see - Area 798 is immense, covering an area the size of 20 football fields. It is an art zone that has emerged almost organically from disestablished Soviet military factories and features halls that seem like cathedrals.

So, we had to move on.

Reluctant goodbyes to the lovely Maggie, whose commercial that runs tonight might be seen by 50 million viewers.

No contest.

Read more of Michael's tales from China here.

tvnz.co.nz's Michael Burgess is in China courtesy of the Asia New Zealand foundation and travelled there with Air New Zealand. He is aiming to investigate the impact and legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and will be writing about the sights and sounds of China along the way.