As a spotlight shone on the enchanting figure of Chen Lili, clad in a sexy bikini and sporting a brown wig, spectators were no doubt attracted to her unique beauty - despite the fact that she used to be a man.

　　The transsexual proudly strut her stuff at the Miss Universe-China competition in southwestern Sichuan Province.

　　Originally barred from the contest, Chen was given the chance to perform on Sunday - and she cut quite a figure, according to yesterday's Shanghai Morning Post.

　　Pictures showed Li having her hair done in the dressing room, and walking on the catwalk in a black sequined suit.

　　"Chen seemed to outshine all the 37 beauty queen contestants on the stage," the paper said.

　　She was invited to address the audience before the contest during which she talked of her country boy life. She said she "really cherished the opportunity to perform here as it means so much to finally stand on this stage."

　　She performed the song "Wind Season" in Cantonese.

　　Though trying to be feminine, her voice broke in parts, but still the audience gave her great applause.

　　Chen applied to enter the 54th Miss World Competition, but was denied entry last month as "it would be unfair to the other candidates if we allow a transsexual to participate," said a Sichuan official in charge of the contest.

　　The 1.73-meter-tall Chen Lili, formerly named Chen Yongjun, meaning "brave soldier" is a stunning fashion model in southwestern China's Chongqing Municipality.

　　She underwent a sex change operation last November in East China's Shandong Province, and picked up the new name "Lili," inspired by a popular Korean transsexual star known as "Harisu," her idol.

　　Chen said yesterday she celebrated International Women's Day by shopping, going to a woman's spa and getting a facial.

　　(Xinhua)