HONG KONG – The 2026 Miss Hong Kong Pageant concluded its highly anticipated live finale Friday night, with Yuan Siheng taking home the crown in a ceremony filled with surprise, tears, and a shared craving for hotpot.
Yuan, who was selected from a field of 12 finalists, was named winner at the televised event. Deng Kuangmin secured first runner-up, while Li Zexin earned second runner-up and also claimed the “Most Photogenic” award. The “Miss Friendship” title went to Li Chengqing.
Immediately after the results, the winners appeared on the live talk show One Week Stars to share their reactions—and their immediate post-show desires.
‘I Couldn’t Believe It’
Speaking with visible emotion, Yuan described the whirlwind nature of the evening. “My feeling in that moment was disbelief,” she said. “The past two or three hours were incredibly rushed, things happened so quickly. When they reached the final announcement, I didn’t even realize they were about to name the winners. Hearing my own name—I was shocked and overjoyed.”
The new queen credited her family for their unwavering support. “I want to say thank you to my parents. They’ve supported me through every performance, every step of this journey,” she said. Then, with a laugh, she added: “Right now, I’m very hungry. I really want to eat hotpot.”
Surprise and Satisfaction Among Runners-Up
First runner-up Deng Kuangmin expressed genuine astonishment at her placement. “I’m honestly so surprised,” she said. “My main goal tonight was to relax, enjoy the stage, and just have fun. I really did that—and I even got an award. It feels unbelievable.”
Second runner-up Li Zexin, who also took home the Most Photogenic honor, emphasized the collective effort behind the competition. “I think throughout this journey, all 12 of us faced difficulties—not just ourselves individually,” she said. “So tonight’s result feels truly deserved for everyone. We should all tell ourselves: ‘You worked hard.’”
Miss Friendship winner Li Chengqing was moved to tears when her name was called. “All 12 contestants were outstanding,” she said. “When they announced my name, I was already crying. I was so happy. Now I think they owe us dinner.”
Broader Impact and Next Steps
The pageant, a fixture of Hong Kong’s entertainment calendar, continues to draw significant public attention despite evolving social norms and competition from digital media platforms. This year’s finale highlighted the raw, unfiltered personalities of the contestants, offering viewers a refreshing departure from the polished, rehearsed responses of past years.
For the winners, the immediate priorities are clear: rest, celebration, and a shared meal. Looking ahead, each titleholder will take on ambassadorial duties representing charitable causes, public appearances, and media engagements over the next year.
The 2026 pageant’s focus on authenticity and relatability may signal a broader shift in how beauty competitions are perceived in the region, reflecting a growing hunger—much like the new queen’s—for something genuine.
