Milan, known globally as the fashion capital, holds within its urban tapestry a vibrant and culturally rich Chinatown that offers a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, Milan’s Chinatown presents an exciting blend of history, food, and shopping that promises to captivate your senses.
Every major city in the world has its Chinatown. Milan is no exception: the Chinese quarter of Lombardy’s capital city is a fascinating place close to the center; stretching between the Moscova district and the Monumental Cemetery, it is centered on the famous Via Paolo Sarpi.
The neighborhood is now fully integrated into city life and culture, yet still retains its characteristic colors, scents of oriental spices, and ideogram posters and signs in the streets. This place is definitely worth a visit if you want to immerse yourself, at least for a while, in an alternative Milan among dumplings, bubble tea, and small stores. Come and discover with us the history and peculiarities of Milan’s Chinese quarter, a location we also recommend for a two-day tour of the city.
- Why You Should Visit Milan’s Chinatown
- A Blend of Cultures in Milan’s Heart
- The Allure of Chinatown
- The Origins of Milan’s Chinatown
- The Early Settlers
- Growth Over the Decades
- What to See: Must-Visit Spots in Milan’s Chinatown
- Via Paolo Sarpi, the heart of Milan’s Chinatown
- The Vibrant Markets and Shops
- Stores and attractions not to be missed in Milan’s Chinatown
- Where to Eat: Savoring the Flavors of Chinatown
- Street Food Delights: Ravioleria Sarpi
- Hidden Culinary Gems
- Shopping in Chinatown: Where to Find the Best Deals
- Cultural Highlights: Festivals and Traditions
- Practical Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- How to get to Chinatown in Milan
Why You Should Visit Milan’s Chinatown
A Blend of Cultures in Milan’s Heart
Milan’s Chinatown, centered on the lively Via Paolo Sarpi, is an integral part of the city, offering a fascinating mix of Chinese traditions and Milanese lifestyle. Whether you’re a foodie, a shopping enthusiast, or a history buff, Chinatown provides a unique lens through which to experience Milan.
The Allure of Chinatown
This neighborhood is a must-visit for those eager to delve into an alternative side of Milan. With its colorful streets, aromatic food stalls, and a variety of unique shops, Chinatown offers an immersive cultural experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy everything from traditional dumplings to the latest fashion trends.
Historical Background: The Origins of Milan’s Chinatown
The Early Settlers
The roots of Milan’s Chinatown trace back to the 1920s when the first Chinese immigrants, primarily from the Zhejiang province, settled in the city. They established themselves in what is now Chinatown, initially focusing on the silk and textile industries, which complemented Milan’s growing reputation as a fashion hub.
Growth Over the Decades
The community expanded over the decades, and by the late 1990s, Chinatown had evolved into a bustling commercial area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses. Today, it stands as one of Milan’s most vibrant neighborhoods, blending traditional Chinese culture with the contemporary Italian way of life. It is estimated that about 27,000 Chinese people live in Milan today: not all reside in Chinatown, but almost all of them go there often
What to See: Must-Visit Spots in Milan’s Chinatown
Via Paolo Sarpi, the heart of Milan’s Chinatown
Via Paolo Sarpi is the main street of Chinatown, renowned for its pedestrian-friendly design and bustling atmosphere. Redeveloped between 2010 and 2011, it now boasts stone paving, green spaces, and a mix of traditional and modern shops that make it a shopper’s paradise. The street, located a stone’s throw from Piazza Gae Aulenti, the buildings and skyscrapers of the new Milan, is bustling with technology, clothing and grocery stores.
The Vibrant Markets and Shops
For those who love to shop, Chinatown offers an array of unique stores. The Oriental Mall is a highlight, offering a wide selection of Asian products, from spices to traditional crafts. Meanwhile, Kathay Food stands out as the largest ethnic supermarket in Italy, perfect for those looking to explore Asian cuisine at home.
Stores and attractions not to be missed in Milan’s Chinatown
A walk through the Chinese quarter is evocative because of the special atmosphere of the place. The many stores in Milan’s Chinatown are one of Milan’s most popular shopping destinations, where you can get real bargains. We also recommend you take a trip to the Oriental Mall, a five-story shopping mall where you can buy spices, matcha, seaweed, tofu and all the typical ethnic produce, and to Kathay Food, Italy’s largest ethnic supermarket.
The area becomes even more interesting during Chinese New Year in February when it comes alive with events, performances, and the colorful traditional parade (with the ever-present giant dragon!).
Where to Eat: Savoring the Flavors of Chinatown
Street Food Delights: Ravioleria Sarpi
A visit to Chinatown wouldn’t be complete without stopping by Ravioleria Sarpi, famous for its freshly made dumplings and other street food favorites. It’s a hotspot for locals and tourists alike, offering a taste of authentic Chinese street food right in the heart of Milan.
- Address: Via Paolo Sarpi, 27, 20154 Milano MI
- Phone: +36 331 887 0596
Hidden Culinary Gems
Beyond the popular spots, Chinatown is home to several hidden culinary gems. Little Lamb, for instance, offers a traditional Chinese hot pot experience, where you can cook your food in a simmering broth right at your table. For a sweet treat, don’t miss Chateau Dufan, where you can indulge in a refreshing bubble tea.
- Little Lamb
- address: Via Paolo Sarpi, 8, 20154 Milano MI
- phone: 327 298 1339
- Chateau Dufan
- address: Piazzale Baiamonti 1, Via Paolo Sarpi, 2, 20154 Milano MI
- phone: 02 3453 4113
Shopping in Chinatown: Where to Find the Best Deals
Fashion and Beyond
Chinatown is not just about food; it’s also a great place to shop for fashion. From trendy boutiques offering the latest in Chinese and Italian styles to shops selling traditional clothing, there’s something for everyone.
Souvenirs and Unique Finds
Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a gift for someone special, Chinatown has plenty to offer. From traditional Chinese handicrafts to modern gadgets, the variety is endless. Bargain hunting is part of the fun, so be sure to haggle for the best deals.
Cultural Highlights: Festivals and Traditions
The Chinese New Year Celebration
One of the best times to visit Chinatown is during the Chinese New Year in February. The neighborhood comes alive with vibrant decorations, parades, and traditional performances, including the iconic dragon dance. It’s a cultural spectacle that draws crowds from across the city.
Year-Round Festivities
Chinatown is lively year-round, with various festivals and cultural events that celebrate both Chinese and Italian traditions. These events offer a deeper understanding of the cultural fusion that defines this unique neighborhood.
Practical Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Getting There
Milan’s Chinatown is easily accessible via public transportation. The nearest metro stations, Monumentale (lilac line) and Moscova (green line), are just a short walk from Via Paolo Sarpi. Buses and trams also service the area, making it convenient to visit from anywhere in Milan.
Where to Stay
If you want to stay close to the action, there are several accommodation options near Chinatown, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Staying in this area gives you easy access to Chinatown as well as other key attractions in Milan.
Safety and Etiquette
Chinatown is generally safe, but it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Be sure to respect local customs, particularly during festivals and religious events.
How to get to Chinatown in Milan
With our tips, we have stirred your desire to visit this alluring place, haven’t we? Take one of the many trains to Milan that Italo provides from all Italian cities; arrive comfortably at the Central Station and from there, reach the Chinese quarter by public transport in just a few minutes (the nearest metro stops are Monumentale on the lilac line and Moscova on the green line): you can immerse yourself in the colors and flavors of Milan’s Chinatown and maybe even indulge in some great low-cost shopping!
