Hi all - don't let the title of this thread fool you; I do not mean real ethnic Chinese in Italy. I am hoping someone may know about my ancestry from my father's side of the family. He passed away many years ago, but I remember that he said my grandfather from Italy came from a region with people known as the "Chinese" of Italy. I believe it may have been in the Lombardy region, with a village/town name that sounded like "Chilease" (chi-lay-zee)? Anyone who may have information on this, it would be much obliged.

You certainly did throw me off. Thought you were referring to the large number of Chinese people that are in Itlay or who are going to school there. When I went to school in Perugia in 2007 it seemed half or more of the students were Chinese. Met a lot of nice Chinese people.

Thanks for the feedback. If you do find any information on my original question - who are the so-called 'Chinese of Italy' - would love to know it.

Also, regarding your comments, they are interesting. I am actually working out here in Asia for the past few years and learned Chinese, now hope to learn (finally) the language of my ancestors, Italian.

I have found there are many similarities between Italian and Chinese culture, and perhaps that is why I have stayed here so long without any culture shock. Similarities include:

- both cultures are well-known (and the people themselves are proud of) their food, with noodles/pasta being a staple in many parts

- there are very similar family structures

- both civilizations at one time or another ruled their respective parts of the world, with the Holy Roman Empire in the West, and Dynastic China in the East

- both had major influences on the development of languages in their respective regions

among others...I can say that most Chinese consider Italy as having one of the great cultures of the world, and I hope my fellow Italians appreciate the 5,000 years that is Chinese history and culture.

Of course, the relationship is not without its current problems today. Economic fears, immigration fears, and more all obscure the reality that despite being located in different hemispheres, the Italians and Chinese have many aspects of their history, culture and society they share.

tnchris - both I, and my (Italian) wife, have tried searching on Italian search engines without sucess - it may well be that the "Chinese Italians" is a local nickname, possibly because of either the work they do, or their appearance. Any idea what your Grandfather did as a living? We also couldn't find any major town in Lombardia that fitted with your post - the "chi" in English would probably start "ci" or even "ce" in Italian if misheard - are you sure of the "CH" (as in CHurch in English) beginning?

What an intersting little thread. I am waiting for the next instalment.

TN Chris, that is a really intersting comment. The three places I would like to spend time are China, Italy and New York City. China and Italy, as I love the energy and New York only because in my imagination the vibe would be quite similiar. I never thought to link it like you have.

But then Marco Polo spent 20 years in the Royal Courts in China.

there is little chinatown in Milan, that is Via Paolo Sarpi, but it didn't exist until a couple of years ago
what about Cinisello Balsamo?

cinisello balsamo - Google Maps

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Markymark - thanks for the valiant effort. Yes, I imagine it was a nickname that some people in the region may have used, as it looks like there probably isn't a certain area of Italy where the people where known as the "Chinese" of Italy. Also, thanks for the help on the pronunciation.

Melbournegirl - Good point on Marco Polo, too. Maybe that was why I was able to live out here for so many years and not feel like I was away from home...

Not sure if there is a connection with Milan. Our family lines are from Tuscany (on my mother's side), Sicily (via both grandmothers) and, then my paternal grandfather, supposedly from Lombardy region. The only connection I have with Milan from what I see is that I am an AC Milan fan - heh! Thanks for the Cinisello Balsamo info...will look into that, too.

Another aspect to add to the cultural similarities, as we see from one of these topics in this forum: Italians and Chinese love to talk in proverbs. Probably due to our at one time or another overseeing our regions of the world and wanting to contribute our "valuable insights on life" to our greater community.