America’s best botanical gardens enchanted visitors from the other side of the world — and inspired a new bouquet of opportunities for the county’s blooming relationship with the Chinese.

“We have had four delegations from China visit Chester County in the past six months,” Commissioner Terence Farrell said. “… Whereas previous delegations have focused on business and investment opportunities in Chester County, this Yangzhou delegation was most interested in tourism, which is also an economic driver.”

Led by Sino-American Business & Travel Association President James Zhang, the group of 10 toured Longwood Gardens, just named USA Today’s Best Botanical Garden in America, and sampled locally-made wines from the Galer Estate Winery.

And Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susan Hamley believes the Chinese may bring back much more than they took away from the experience.

“Nearly 2.2 million Chinese visitors traveled to the United States in 2014, which is a 21 percent increase over 2013,” she said. “It is anticipated that by 2019, China will become the third-largest inbound market to the United States. China is already No. 2 in Chester County, and we can expect further growth with the new 10-year visa.”

Read about previous Chinese delegation visits — and Farrell’s visit to China in 2014 — in past VISTA Today coverage here.