Marco Polo's travels to China from 1271 to 1295 were documented in his book "Il Milione" (The Million) and had a profound impact on European perceptions of the East. While some scholars question the accuracy of Polo's accounts, his journey remains a significant historical event. Polo's descriptions of Chinese culture, technology, and wealth fascinated European readers and influenced subsequent explorers and traders. However, the lack of certain details and discrepancies in his narratives have led to debates about the extent of Polo's actual experiences versus embellishments or influences from other sources. Despite the controversies, Polo's travels opened a window to the East for Europe, contributing to a broader understanding of the world during the medieval period.
