Can foreign tourists in the US apply for visa at American embassies?

My boyfriend and I are from Norway and we're planning a longer trip around the world next year. We're leaving Norway 4 months before our intended entry to China, which means we're not able to apply for a 3 month permit here in our home country before leaving. We're staying in New York city for two months, so if possible we could apply for it there. So the question is: Can non-US citizens apply for a Chinese tourist L at American embassies?

Thanks!