[2] On 18 August 2012, Yu won the 2012 Miss World pageant held in Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia, China.

I really admire Zhang Zilin, my country's first Miss World winner, I hope to follow her example, but at the same time make my own mark.

I very much look forward to working with the Miss World Organisation sharing my compassion and love and helping to improve the lives of many people throughout my year of reign.

[3]During her reign as Miss World, Yu traveled to the United Kingdom, Italy, France, South Africa, India, Australia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, United States, Haiti, Brazil, Turkey, Ghana, Hungary, Ukraine and China.

On the grand final of Miss World 2013, Yu performed "Tanzette" along with the Talent competition winner and runner-up, Vania Larissa from Indonesia and Erin Holland from Australia.