Visiting the US, Chinese tourists are usually drawn to New York, California or Washington DC for the obvious reasons - these destinations have an aura of excitement that throws you right into the thick of American culture.

Another state hopes to add its name to the list, and hopefully before the lure of the 2016 China-US tourism year expires.

Mike Stack, lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, thinks his state offers Chinese tourists the chance to immerse themselves in American history.

"There's all kinds of history in Pennsylvania," he said. "If Chinese tourists are looking for one place to come to really learn about American history, Pennsylvania is absolutely the place."

Home to world famous icons like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania boasts a number of landmarks at the heart of American history.

Stack made his comments at an event celebrating Chinese company Fuling Plastic USA's two-year anniversary at its facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania on May 26. The company produces straws and plastic ware for major US fast food chains, including Subway, Wendy's and Burger King.

"We have from one end of the state to the other, really important historical things," said Stack. "In Philadelphia, where we began to create Old Liberty, there are a million things to see and we also have beautiful outdoor sights."

Stack said his natural affinity for travel and Asian culture drew him to visit China two decades ago and he has made a point of familiarizing himself with Chinese culture ever since.

“When I went 20 years ago, it was so much different than I understand it is now. And I was so impressed back then,” said Stack. “Since then, with globalization, all the different exchanges of culture we’ve had, I would love to go back. We have so many things in common culturally, and we can learn so much from China.”

One particular memory that has stuck with Stack from his visit was riding a bicycle along with the thousands of others in Beijing. His cycling skills not being up to par, he wobbled along, drawing attention from other cyclists.

But “if you’re a bad bike rider, don’t worry. Because when I was riding my bike badly, all the other people sort of boxed me in and said ‘watch this guy, he’s a bad biker so let’s make sure he stays up,’” said Stack.

This sense of mutual support is one that has developed between Pennsylvania and China over the years. China is the top importing country to Pennsylvania, totaling more than $20 billion in imported goods and services in 2015.

Pennsylvania’s investment relationship with China is in its early stages of development. Two years ago, the state received its first greenfield Chinese outbound foreign direct investment in the form of Fuling’s plastics manufacturing plant in Allentown.

“Pennsylvania is ripe for Chinese investment. We are anxious and open to working with China, and having business relationships. Pennsylvania is the next state to be discovered. Fuling is the first, and I guarantee there will be many more,” said Stack.

Chinese outbound foreign direct investment to the US reached an all-time high last year, but this relationship is just beginning to take root in Pennsylvania.

“I may travel to China and encourage companies to come here as well,” said Stack. “I am going to emphasize to the governor that we should do it. We don’t have anything concrete yet, but we have had some informal discussions about a trade mission to China.”

A number of US governors have traveled to China on trade missions, and many have set up relationships through the sister cities program.

Allan Fong in Washington contributed to this story.