More than seven centuries ago, Marco Polo (1254-1324), a renowned Italian traveler and merchant, embarked on an extraordinary journey from the West to China, leaving an enduring legacy in the form of his travelogue, The Travels of Marco Polo, which offers a glimpse into Yangzhou during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

During his three-year stay in Yangzhou, Marco Polo observed that the ancient city was not only an administrative center but also a pivotal hub for politics, economy, culture, and military affairs in the Yangtze-Huaihe region.

The surviving copies of The Travels of Marco Polo are on display in the Marco Polo Memorial Hall. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

He recounted his visit to Gaoyou, a vibrant county-level city of Yangzhou, where he found an abundance of daily necessities and a diverse array of wildlife.

Equally fascinating is his mention of Guazhou, a quaint township in what is now Yangzhou's Hanjiang district, which once served as an important rice depot, supplying grains to the court of the Yuan Dynasty through intricate inland water routes.

The Marco Polo Memorial Hall in Yangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]

Last year, the Marco Polo Memorial Hall in Yangzhou underwent a significant renovation, now showcasing exhibitions that delve into the great adventurer's legendary travels through China and his keen observations in Yangzhou.