Ex-NBA star Williams recounts his 'incredible' China trips

Three consecutive years of visits, two new cities added to his China travel map, and one word to sum it all up: "Incredible".

That is how former US basketball star Deron Williams described his experiences in China during a visit to Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, on Aug 9, 2026.

"This is my first time in Guangzhou and Chengdu, and I've been fortunate enough to be able to visit some truly remarkable cities in China," Williams said on the sidelines of a regional grassroot 3x3 tournament organized by NBA China.

"I know there are a lot of fans in China who grew up watching me play, so it's good to be able to come here and be around them," he added.

The former NBA point guard made his fifth trip to China in the past 18 years, and his third in as many years. His first visit came in 2008, when he traveled to Beijing as a member of the US men's national basketball team for the Beijing Olympics. In 2014, he returned to play two NBA preseason games, one in Shanghai and the other in Beijing.

Unlike those action-packed trips, Williams' most recent visits have been more relaxed, giving the 42-year-old more time to unwind and connect with fans.

Asked what keeps bringing him back to China, Williams pointed to its rich culture, particularly its food and architecture.

"I go to restaurants to try the local cuisine and it's amazing. I really enjoy it," he said. "My friends back home keep asking me to bring them over for Chinese food."

Williams was also impressed by the 600-meter-tall Canton Tower, which he could see from his hotel room in Guangzhou's Tianhe district.

"Just looking out the window and seeing the tower, the river, and all the buildings, it's just pretty beautiful," he said.