Over 700 years ago, Italian explorer Marco Polo embarked on a journey through China, chronicling his experiences and introducing the marvels of ancient China to Europe in his famed book. Today, a new wave of explorers—international YouTubers and vloggers—are following in his footsteps, using online videos to share their discoveries of modern China with the world.

Thanks to China’s visa-free policies and the introduction of a 144-hour visa-free transit option, these content creators have been flocking to the country. After exploring gateway cities, where they gain initial insights into China’s urban landscapes and rich cultural heritage, these vloggers soon venture deeper into localized regions. Their cameras capture the reality of life in frontier areas, revolutionary sites, and public infrastructure, answering key questions: “What is modern China like, why is it the way it is, and how does it function?”

These modern-day “Marco Polos” are now being celebrated in China for their efforts to present an authentic, friendly, and vibrant image of the nation to the world. The Global Times has aptly named this movement the “Marco Polo Trilogy.” The first story in this series highlights young travelers who have journeyed to China’s border regions, showcasing the vast grasslands and bustling markets of Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the majestic mountains and mysterious temples of Southwest China’s Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region. Their content offers a glimpse into a diverse and peaceful China, challenging the often-negative portrayals in Western media.

One such traveler is German vlogger “Ken Abroad,” who recently shared his experiences in Xinjiang on YouTube. “I am in Xinjiang… the most controversial region of the country,” he says at the start of his video, which has garnered over 800,000 views. Ken’s curiosity was sparked by the frequent Western media reports on Xinjiang, which he says are often filled with misinformation. Determined to see the region for himself, he booked a flight to Urumqi, Xinjiang’s capital, and began his journey of discovery.

Ken’s videos offer a stark contrast to the negative narratives commonly associated with Xinjiang. In his vlog, he visits various mosques across the city, tastes local snacks, and speaks with residents, finding that the region is home to a vibrant Muslim community. He notes, “Xinjiang has more mosques than the US or any Western country in Europe does.” Ken’s content