In addition to promoting his clothing to retailers, Jordan will speak to youth about his dedication to excellence and the importance of hard work and determination throughout his career ...

Basketball legend Michael Jordan began a four-day tour of China, jetting from Beijing to southern Guangdong province in his private plane to visit a factory that produces his name-brand line of clothing.

Since arriving in Beijing late Monday, the Chinese media has scrutinized every move of the six-time National Basketball Association champion, remarking on the size of his motorcade to his time spent smoking cigars in his Hotel suite.

His promotional activities begin from today when he held an event at Beijing gymnasium after meeting with China's Minister of Sport and head of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Yuan Weimin, organizers said.

Jordan jetted down to Guangdong to visit a factory that produces his Michael Jordan brand of clothing in the light industrial city of Donghuan.

The China stop is the first of a four-city tour of Asia that will also take him to Hong Kong on May 21, Taipei on May 22 and Tokyo on May 23.

In addition to promoting his clothing to retailers, Jordan will speak to youth about his dedication to excellence and the importance of hard work and determination throughout his career, on and off the court.

"During my tour of Asia, I want to pass along this knowledge and encourage youth around the world that positive energy and high aspirations will lead to excellence," he said in a statement.

Jordan, 41, retired last year after a two-year NBA comeback with the Washington Wizards.

But his aerobatic moves and mysterious shotmaking during his prime with Chicago established him as one of the greatest players in basketball history.

百灵编辑：茂军