Feng Qian, 22, received a US$6,000 country club membership after being picked from among 20 finalists, who ranged in age from 18 to 62.

Surging numbers of newly prosperous Chinese are going under the knife, seeking shapelier noses, fuller breasts and other features.

"This is recognition of the girls like us," Feng told reporters after the ceremony.

Wearing a gold, sleeveless gown and a winner's crown of flowers, the student from northeastern Jilin Province said she hoped to become a plastic surgeon one day.

The event was organized after an 18-year-old woman was disqualified from another Chinese beauty pageant this year on the grounds that she had had cosmetic surgery.

Competitors had to submit proof that they had undergone surgery. Sponsors included Chinese makers of cosmetic surgery products. The contest had a talent show and evening gown and swimsuit competitions.

One contestant, Liu Xiaojin, was a 21-year-old transsexual who was a man until three years ago.

China's cosmetic surgery industry took in US$2.4 billion last year.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2004)