At the time of the founding of the Yuan Dynasty by Kublai Khan, China was probably the most powerful as well as the most wealthy country in the world, As such it held great attractions for envoys, merchants and travelers from various countries to the west. Among the visitors was Marco Polo, an italian who was the first European to make extensive tours in China and some other Asian countries.

Marco Polo's father and uncle were both merchants who had previously ventured into Chinese territory and meat the Emperor of Yuan, Kublai Khan. In November 1271, they took Marco Polo, then 15 years old, with them on another trip to the east along the Silk Road. They finally arrived in the capital of Yuan in May 1275. Kublai Khan proposed that they stay and work for him at the court.

Marco Polo quickly acquired a good command of both the Mongolian and the Chinese language. Meanwhile he became conversant with the politics, economy and culture of China and the rites and ceremonies observed at court. Kublai khan became very fond of him and trusted him. Not only did he assign many important duties to him in the capital but also sent him on inspection tours to the provinces and even as envoy to other countries. Wherever he was, Marco Polo always made a careful study of the conditions and customs of the local inhabitants and the resources and special products of the region.

Marco Polo and his relatives spent 17 years in China. In 1292, they arrived back in their homeland. In the year 1298, Marco Polo participated the war of defending Venice. He unfortunately was taken prisoner and thrown into a dark cell where he met Rustichello, a writer to whom Marco Polo related all that he had seen and heard of during his extensive stay in China and other Asian countries while the writer made notes. Later the latter edited the notes and produced the world-famous Travels of Marco Polo, which is also called Tales from the East.

The Travels of Marco Polo was a significant contribution to East-West cultural intercourse. Marco Polo was indeed a pioneer in forging friendly ties between the people of italy and China.