Artist Jennifer Hudson performs before a screen showing the faces of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, prior to the 69th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday in Chicago. Photo: VCG

Chinese fans of the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant paid tribute to their idol on Sunday, the day of his birthday.

Zhao Binran, a fan living in East China's Shanghai Municipality, told the Global Times on Sunday that he and eight of his colleagues spent two months planning several light shows that were played at noon on Sunday at 24 buildings in 14 cities across China.

"You light up the world. Boss, happy birthday," said Zhao.

Many Chinese fans posted some self-made videos on social media with the words "Happy birthday in Heaven, our hero" on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo.

Chinese actor Li Yifeng, also a fan of Kobe, also posted "Happy birthday" on his Sina Weibo account at noon on Sunday to pay his respects.