Did Marco Polo, the most illustrious traveller in history, ever venture to China? A debate continues as to whether the Venetian’s book is actually a personal account of China’s 13th-century Middle Kingdom and its marvels. Scientists, western scholars and Chinese historians have uncovered striking new evidence that the son of Venetian merchants had travelled to the mysterious middle kingdom.

Did Marco Polo, the most illustrious traveller in history, ever venture to China? A debate continues as to whether the Venetian’s book is actually a personal account of China’s 13th-century Middle Kingdom and its marvels. Scientists, western scholars and Chinese historians have uncovered striking new evidence that the son of Venetian merchants had travelled to the mysterious middle kingdom.