Vienna Cammarota, an Italian traveler in her 70s, was inspired by Marco Polo, who traveled to China along the ancient Silk Road more than 700 years ago. On April 26, 2022, she set off from the legendary explorer's hometown of Venice, retracing his route by foot.

Cammarota recently arrived in Xi'an to explore the city's rich history.

Vienna Cammarota radiates energy and enthusiasm in an interview. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

During an interview at her hotel in Xi'an on Nov 18, Cammarota, now 75, radiated energy and enthusiasm. She shared her admiration for the city, which Marco Polo had extensively described in his writings. "Xi'an, like Rome in Italy, is a world-famous historical city. I am eager to experience its history and culture and explore the profound connections between China's past and present," she said.

Cammarota gave a talk at Northwest University in Xi'an on Nov 15. She shared her Silk Road experiences and observations on China's Belt and Road Initiative. After the lecture, she was touched by the students' enthusiasm and questions.

Vienna Cammarota shares her insights on Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

With the rise of China's 144-hour visa-free policy and other travel incentives, Cammarota believes many foreign tourists will flock to cities like Beijing and Shanghai but insists cities like Xi'an also deserve attention. "Every Chinese city has its own unique charm," she said, expressing her desire to share her journey with her followers on social media, where she has gained over 100,000 fans.

Through her travels, Cammarota has been comparing the present-day Silk Road to the descriptions in Marco Polo's accounts, gaining a deeper understanding of the region's transformations over 700 years. "I hope to be a cultural ambassador like Marco Polo, sharing the vibrant reality of China with my fellow Italians and strengthening the friendship between our two countries," she concluded.