Capital attraction

An oyster farm in Virginia.[Photo provided to China Daily]

She and her friend also enjoyed the beaches, seafood and boutique stores in nearby Anne Arundel county, Maryland, when they visited the area last April. They also toured the United States Naval Academy to see historical buildings, including a church and monuments.

Chen is among a growing number of Chinese arrivals to the area.

"The capital region is the perfect place to experience the richness of the history and culture of the US, such as cultural heritage, outdoor activities and vineyards," says Matt Gaffney, president and CEO of Capital Region USA, Inc, the official destination-marketing organization of the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland.

He recently visited Beijing with other representatives for a promotional event.

China is the region's top overseas market. About 350,000 Chinese visited in 2015, 34 percent more than in the previous year.

Air China will increase its weekly flights between Beijing and Washington Dulles International Airport from five to seven starting on May 12. The organization is also partnering with traditional and online travel agencies in China to develop in-depth itineraries.