At Whitefish Mountain, resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said Chinese UnionPay cards get processed through Discover Card’s financial network. But there aren’t too many occasions where that solution gets used, she said. Chinese tourists haven’t been much of a presence in Whitefish so far.

Glacier National Park spokeswoman Lauren Alley echoed that observation.

"Glacier Park isn't yet on the bus circuit (for Chinese tour groups) like Yellowstone is," Alley said. Nevertheless, the park has published brochures in Chinese and is seeking funding for more publications — particularly about bear safety and wildlife viewing.

While China has its share of eye-popping scenery and wild country, its own people haven’t embraced the Great Outdoors as a playground. For example, most of the visitors exploring the 13,000-mile-long Great Wall spend two to three hours there.

Emilie Saunders at the Montana Department of Commerce said Yellowstone National Park has been a big draw for Chinese tourists, although the state hasn’t marketed itself much in China.