Being China's cultural ambassador is a task Lang has been fulfilling in the past two years by way of a documentary about him commissioned by the Beijing Olympic Committee.

General view shows Chinese young pianist Lang Lang and five-year-old Li Muzi performing surrounded by dancers forming the national stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on August 8, 2008. [Agencies] More photos

The Song of Lang Lang recounts the story of his growth as a pianist and features his performances at dozens of Chinese historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, as well as by the Yellow River. The film, released in June, has been used by the Beijing Games for promotional purposes.

Lang's latest album The Best & Rarities was released last week in China. It is a collection of 19 pieces selected from six albums he recorded with Deutsche Grammophon.

The two CDs includes Tan Dun's Eight Memories in Watercolor, the Chinese folk pieces Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake and Spring Dance, a duet, Beethoven's Sonata in D major for Piano Four Hands, and two pieces from the soundtrack of the film "The Painted Veil" which won the Golden Globe Award in 2007 for Best Original Score.

"I consider the album a review of my career in the last 10 years. I selected a variety of music ranging from the classics, such as Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, to Chinese folk to a movie soundtrack," he said.

"I am so lucky that my parents, mentors, friends and millions of fans have supported and helped me in the last 10 years.

"Now I understand that winning awards or becoming famous is not that important. What matters is that I really enjoy playing music and have really learned much from music, which will be of great benefit to me throughout my life."

As to his future plans, Lang plans to set up a foundation to support young musicians, he said.