Marco polo traveled to faraway asian lands where no other european had ever gone before. He befriended the great emperor kublai khan and discovered asian customs and inventions that westerners had not yet imagined. The amazing stories of his travels and discoveries have stirred up the imaginations of countless young adventurers over the centuries. Discover... •Who was marco polo and why is he so important? •How did marco's stories inpire countless adventure-seekers over the centuries? •What inspired marco to want to travel to asia when he was 15 years old? •What promise had the polos made to kublai khan? •Why did the polos stop at jerusalem? •Why did it take so many years to reach china? •What incredible fireproof object did marco discover in northwestern china? The exploration extends into southern china, where marco polo uncovers cities rich in culture and trade. He vividly illustrates hangzhou’s picturesque landscapes, adorned with bridges and vibrant markets teeming with ginger and tea traditions. This section contrasts the lifestyles of the mongol rulers with those of the sophisticated han chinese populace under their dominion.