Google Earth Link: https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1v7kiuzXSZ4p4Aypj01Zrl8P6ZBQ6v2wK?usp=sharing

***I am using a different translation of the text, if some city names are not familiar, it is because my version of the text is weird. Thank you for understanding!***

 

Red: Major Cities Kanbalu (Beijing) and Kin-sai (Hangzhou)

The red markers indicate major cities. These are distinctive cities that Polo pays extra attention to. Some notable qualities of both is that a person of great power and high imperial distinction lives there (such as the Khan), the city is large and has a great population, there is a bountiful trade market in the city, there is notable architecture, the livestock and goods are very valuable, and finally that the economy of the city and specifically the treasure belonging to the Khan. These cities serve as capitals to either the region or greater territory.

 

Yellow: Chan-glu (Cangzhou), Tin-gui (Changzhou), Yan-gui (Yangzhou), Non-king (Nanjing),  Sin-gui (Suzhou), Kin-sai (Hangzhou)

The yellow markers signify cities or regions that Marco Polo pays special attention to because of their economic value and output into the trade market. For instance, Chan-glu is one of his first stops going down the eastern coast of China. Polo notes the great amount of salt they produce and how they are able to harvest it from the salt-water in that area. Another notable city Polo talks about is Yan-gui which is notable for the arms and other military goods it produces for the greater area. Polo notes that because this city is so good at producing means for war, many soldiers are stationed in that part of Cathay (China).

 

 

Blue: Kara-moran (Yellow River), Singui-matu (Jining),  and The Great River Kiang (Yangtze River)

The blue markers are waypoints for any location Marco Polo travelled to that has considerable geography, specifically for boat travel and trade. The two biggest examples are Kara-moran and The Great River Kiang. Both are notable to Polo becasue of their great size which allows for many boats to sail to different parts of Cathay.  Specifically with the Kara-moran, Polo notes boats carrying their loads of goods to a port only a mile from the sea that can hold up to 15,000 boats. Additionally, the source for the water in the Kara-moran is supposed to be under the control of Prestor John, the mythical Christian king of the East.