Little Italy

Operators of the three-story Piazza Italia ( 意大利广场) say their new super store is one of the biggest Italian food centers outside of Italy. The huge multi-million dollar complex, located at China Central Place, next to Shin Kong Palace, sells more than 2,000 different imported Italian products. It houses an authentic cafe, a cool and elegant bar, a top-class restaurant and even has a travel office promoting Italian tourism.

Emanuele Plata, CEO of CRAI Beijing Commercial, refers to the complex as a "lifestyle communication center".

"This is different from any of the large-scale retailers the Chinese have ever seen," he says. "The venue carries the Italian people's friendliness and enthusiasm, and will make shopping, as well as dining, an enjoyable experience."