Milan’s Chinatown: A Century of Community and Culture

Milan’s Chinatown, centered around Via Paolo Sarpi, is celebrating a century of growth, and integration. From a small group of newcomers in 1926 to today’s thriving community, the story is one of resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and a warm embrace of cultural exchange.

Early Beginnings: “Grains of Sand” in a New City

The origins of Milan’s Chinatown can be traced back to March 1926, when approximately twenty individuals arrived in the city. As reported in the Corriere della Sera at the time, they were described as like grains of sand in the great whirlpool of the city. These pioneers, originating from Qingtian in Zhejiang province, China, initially made a living selling artificial pearls.

They established themselves on Via Canonica, a location on the outskirts of the city offering affordable rent, near the site of the 1906 World Expo. Scattered inns provided initial shelter for these first travelers.

Taking Root: From Mobile Vendors to Established Businesses

The early immigrants quickly demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial drive. Starting with mobile sales, they leveraged mutual aid and loans to establish small leather goods workshops. By 1938, a Chinese man selling ties had become a familiar sight in Milan, integrating into the daily lives of its citizens.

This community wasn’t solely male; families were formed through intermarriage with local Italian women, fostering a blend of cultures. Children were raised speaking Italian and participating in local parish activities. An unexpected detail emerged after the war when a local resident gifted baseball gloves to the community’s children, leading to baseball becoming a part of their identity.

Transformation and Growth: The Rise of Via Paolo Sarpi

The outbreak of World War II presented challenges, with some Chinese residents being treated as enemy citizens and relocated to Abruzzo or Calabria. Though, this adversity only strengthened their resolve to establish roots in Italy, shifting their focus to leather goods production to meet wartime demands.

The 1960s marked a turning point with the opening of La Pagoda, Milan’s first Chinese restaurant, near the central train station. This signaled a shift in the community’s economic focus. Over the following decades, Via Paolo Sarpi gradually replaced Via Canonica as the central hub for Chinese businesses and life, diversifying into clothing wholesale, supermarkets, and mobile phone stores. A major urban transformation between 2010 and 2011 saw the street paved with stone and landscaped, creating an orderly pedestrian area where elegant 19th-century buildings coexist with oriental-style shops.

The “Wenzhou People” and Family Networks

Significant growth occurred after the 1980s, fueled by changes in China’s visa policies and the strength of existing family networks within the European Chinese community. Large-scale family reunification immigration began, with many newcomers originating from Wenzhou and surrounding areas. These individuals, often referred to as Wenzhou people, are known for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

Family became the fundamental economic unit, with those arriving first providing financial support to later arrivals, who in turn contributed labor until they could establish their own businesses. This model facilitated low-cost mobility and fostered trust and mutual assistance.

A Centennial Celebration and Lasting Legacy

In the mid-to-late 1980s, Milan hosted its first official Chinese New Year celebration, featuring dragon and lion dances. This marked the community’s transition from a hidden corner to a prominent part of the city’s cultural landscape. By the conclude of the 1990s, the community had grown to approximately 30,000 people.

The release of the graphic novel Common Destiny: Chronicle of the First Chinese Italians and Their Families in March 2026, authored by Matteo Demonte (whose grandfather arrived in Milan in 1931), provides a poignant reflection on the community’s history and oral traditions.

From humble beginnings as street vendors to their current status as integral members of Milanese society, the century-long story of Milan’s Chinatown is a testament to the power of resilience, integration, and the enduring human spirit.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Vice Italia, Urbanfile Blog, Chinatown Italia.