Yao's influence went far beyond sports. The video in which he taught Rockets teammate Tracy Mcgrady how to handle chopsticks was widely watched on the Internet. And his Yao Restaurant is also famous in the U.S.

Yao also earned a great deal of praise for his humorous and intelligent remarks. In an interview with ESPN, Yao stated that the national anthem of the United States is his favorite song, "for I have to listen to it at least 82 times every year." When queried about his English skill, Yao simply responded "I have learned how to say 'next question'."

The famous "Yao quotes" had been used by US President Barack Obama.

"Of course as a new president and also as a basketball fan, I have learned from the words of Yao Ming who said, 'No matter whether you are new, or an old team member, you need time to adjust to one another,'" Obama said in a 2009 Washington meeting.

"Through the constructive meetings that we have already had, and through this dialogue, I am confident that we will meet Yao's standard."

Yao's cultural influence continued after his retirement. Everything he does still attracts worldwide attention.

Yao returned to school this week to study for a university degree in Shanghai's prestigious Jiaotong University. He is balancing his class work with running a Chinese basketball team -- the Shanghai Sharks -- and a jam-packed schedule of public appearances.

Tennis player Li Na, who also speaks fluent English, is tipped to be a successor to Yao as a cultural ambassador since she won the French Open this June. Li won China's first WTA singles title in 2004, became the country's first Grand Slam quarterfinalist in 2006 and China's first world top 10 player this year after reaching the Australian Open final. The French Open victory lifted her to world number four, equalling Japanese Kimiko Date-Krumm's Asian record.

Li, from the central Chinese city of Wuhan, is quite popular worldwide. Her age, which is not young, her experience of coming back from retirement and her personality all arouse curiosity in the West. She is different from most Chinese sportswomen who are known in the West as straight-faced, obedient and careful about what they say.

The 29-year-old Li is confident, sociable and relaxed when facing camera and media, and like Yao Ming, she has a sense of humor.