After trekking 22,000 kilometers by foot across a dozen countries, Vienna Cammarota arrived in China via Irkeshtam, the farthest west land port in China, on Aug 29.

The local government warmly welcomed the 75-year-old woman and residents performed traditional dances and songs, then presented her with a wreath symbolizing friendship and blessings.

Locals welcome Cammarota's arrival at Irkeshtam, the farthest west land port in China, on Aug 29. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beginning in Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Cammarota will embark on a 15-month cultural journey across China.

She says she hopes to keep following in the footsteps of Marco Polo by exploring over 30 cities in 17 provinces and autonomous regions, including Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi, Fujian, Guangzhou and Beijing, where her journey will conclude to mark the 750th anniversary of Marco Polo's arrival in China in 1275.

Cammarota is an adventurous and culturally driven traveler. She began studying The Travels of Marco Polo in 2000 and plans to retrace the Venetian merchant's route along the Silk Road. She aims to experience the deep cultural heritage of Chinese civilization, witness the development and achievements of modern China, and call for global harmony and inclusiveness.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong