Under the guidance of a chef, Lillard and Zhang competed with each other to find out who was the best maker of traditional Chinese sweet dumplings, even indulging in creating some ice-tea- flavored versions of the traditional festival snack.

The 28-year-old four-time NBA All-Star also got into the holiday spirit by trying to figure out Chinese lantern riddles and trying his hand at the intricate art of paper cutting. Later, he made the occasion a real cultural exchange by teaching Zhang some basketball skills.

"What has a net but can't catch? Oh! It's a basket," said Lillard, who clearly enjoyed the riddle challenge - an essential element of the Lantern Festival.

The Master Kong Ice Tea slogan is "Cool ice fires your power and excitement" – but the company has been warm-hearted in terms of spreading Chinese culture around the world.