The United States welcomed more than 1.6 million Chinese visitors in 2024. While that’s still less than before the pandemic, a strong upward trend suggests that America is back on track to becoming a top non-Asian destination.

Not all parts of the U.S. are equally popular, which begs the question: which parts of it do Chinese travelers visit the most? Here are the top four states on their itineraries, as well as a handful of tech tips for a smoother trip.

California

The Golden State is the undisputed winner in attracting Chinese nationals to the USA. It’s the closest of the contiguous states, and flights link several major Chinese cities to Los Angeles.

LA itself is a major hub due to ample shopping opportunities and legendary tourist spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive. The city is also home to the Chinese American Museum, a unique institution dedicated to the exploration and preservation of the Chinese-American experience.

San Francisco is another favorite on account of its vibrant Chinatown and accompanying authentic cuisine. Travelers inclined towards natural beauty can visit the iconic Yosemite and Sequoia national parks, boat on Lake Tahoe, or enjoy luxury wine tastings in Napa Valley’s finest vineyards.

New York

The city and state alike are irresistible to Chinese travelers due to an abundance of landmarks and services. Cosmopolitan NYC boasts some of the country’s most distinguished cultural institutions, like Radio City Music Hall and Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

It also has a large and active Chinese community, not to mention easy access to cuisines from all around the world. Moreover, Fifth Avenue and SoHo are a mecca for shoppers interested in high-end fashion and the latest trends.

No trip to the state of New York would be complete without visiting the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. If that’s too far from NYC, visitors can still take in beautiful river vistas in the Hudson Valley or take a hiking day trip to the Catskill Mountains.

Nevada

Chinese travelers are known to be generous spenders, and where better to put that to the test than in “Sin City?” Las Vegas isn’t just a major draw for risk-takers either. The buffets, extravagant shows, and vibrant nightlife guarantee a good time without having to lose a fēn.

Nevada is also renowned for its striking natural beauty. The sandstone landscapes of Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park are a dream for nature photographers interested in dramatic desert scenery and hikers willing to test their limits. Conversely, travelers drawn to human-made marvels can behold the magnificent Hoover Dam.

Hawaii

The Chinese like to spend their beachside holidays in style! Hawaii’s islands offer a plethora of sandy beaches and resorts that satisfy the whims of even the pickiest visitors. Adventurous types can walk through lava tunnels in Volcanoes National Park, embark on seasonal whale watching tours, or dive to explore the colorful tropical marine life.

Hawaii is also a unique cultural hub that honors and protects its historical Polynesian traditions. Visitors have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in local customs and cuisine via interactive workshops and luaus.

Tech Tips for Chinese Travelers Visiting the U.S.

While both countries are technologically advanced, Chinese tourists should plan for certain differences before visiting. Here is a piece of technology advice to consider before visiting the U.S.:

• Most Chinese gadgets are designed with Type I sockets. China’s electrical grid also operates at 220V as opposed to 110V in the U.S., so travel adapters are a must.
• Bring a powerbank to have enough juice at hand for several devices for daytrips and off-the-grid adventures.
• While paying digitally is common in the U.S., the methods you’re used to may not work. Stores in cities like LA and New York may accept UnionPay, but WeChat Pay isn’t supported. Your best bet is to have a credit or debit card from an internationally recognized credit union and pay with that.
• It’s not possible to access certain services you take for granted at home directly. Weibo, Douyin, or iQIYI aren’t available in the States — unless you use a VPN for the USA. Setting it to a Chinese IP address will remove any restrictions and allow you to use these services normally.

With the right adapter, a widely accepted card, and a simple connectivity plan, you’ll avoid most tech hiccups and enjoy your U.S. trip.