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Hand-made gelato at the Gelato Michielan Museum. [Photo/cnjxol.com]

The Gelato Michielan Museum in the Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone is the only of its kind in China and the largest Italian gelato-themed museum in the world.

In 2019, it was approved as a 3A-level scenic spot, with the 5A-level being the highest in China. Since it began operating in 2018, the museum has received more than 200,000 visitors.

An gelato van used by an Italian gelato vendor in 1800 is on display at the Gelato Michielan Museum. [Photo/cnjxol.com]

The museum, established by Michielan Food Co Ltd in Jiaxing, is a four-story building with a total built-up area of 30,000 square meters.

One the first floor, visitors can try their hands at making gelato, while the second floor offers catering services, including delicacies from around the world and the most authentic coffee and wine made in Italy.

An gelato store at the Gelato Michielan Museum. [Photo/cnjxol.com]

The third floor serves as an exhibition area for gelato culture. The most precious artifact in the museum, an gelato van used by an Italian gelato vendor in 1800, is on display there.

The history of gelato can be traced back 4,000 years, when ancient Egyptians enjoyed ice-cold drinks, while the gelato commonly eaten today was created in China's Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Back then, it was made with donkey milk. Marco Polo took the recipe to the Italian royal court, where gelato became a dessert for the Italian royal family.