The world's biggest kung fu fan wants nothing more than to star in a movie with Chinese star Jackie Chan.

Former NBA MVP center Shaquille O'Neal had his 40-year-old birthday last Tuesday while touring Changsha in his new role as an ambassador for Harbin Beer.

"My dream that hasn't been fulfilled is to shoot a movie directed by John Woo with Jackie Chan at the Shaolin Temple," said O'Neal, who appeared in the Hollywood action film Steel in 1997.

O'Neal, currently an analyst on TNT's Inside the NBA, said he's going to work with comedian Adam Sandler on a movie this summer.

During his China tour in 2009, O'Neal visited Shaolin Temple, the cradle of Chinese traditional martial arts, and displayed what he learned by demonstrating some kung fu poses last week.

"It's my tenth time coming to China and my second visit to Changsha," O'Neal said. "I love China and the people here are always friendly to me. I always like to come back and hopefully I can visit every city in the country."

Despite retiring last year, the 2.16-meter giant's popularity in China remains strong. Fans packed the event venue and chanted "Shaq" fiercely everywhere he appeared despite the cold, rainy weather.

A group of media from 40 different outlets traveled across the country to cover the event and took turns interviewing him.

O'Neal said he will return China for another 10-city tour in June.

- Sun Xiaochen

(China Daily 03/11/2012 page8)