During the 1200s, the Mongols swept into China. Under their leader, Kublai Khan, the Mongols founded a new dynasty, called the Yuan, in 1271. By 1279, the Song dynasty, rulers of China since 960, was no more. Kublai Khan set up his new capital at Cambaluc (modern-day Beijing).

Kublai Khan

Kublai Khan was a wise and tolerant ruler. He allowed different religions, including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, to be followed by the Chinese people. Muslim scholars, astronomers, doctors and scientists were welcome in the Yuan court.

Xanadu

Kublai Khan’s summer palace at Shangdu (also called Xanadu) was the height of splendour. The great palace had marble and gold walls and its golden ceilings were studded with rubies and diamonds. Kublai Khan encouraged foreigners to visit his magnificent court. They included the young traveller from Venice, Marco Polo.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo arrived from Venice with his father and uncle in 1275. He became Kublai Khan’s loyal servant for 18 years and travelled round the Chinese Empire. Marco saw many wonders. He was most impressed by Kinsai (Hangzhou), “City of Heaven”, with its many canals and bridges. It was a city far larger than any in Europe. Marco later wrote a book about his amazing travels.

End of Mongol rule

Kublai Khan tried to invade Japan, but his fleets were defeated twice. This failure, together with the death of his wife and son, was a serious blow. After Kublai's death in 1294, the Mongol emperors who came after him ruled harshly. Rebellions by the people eventually drove the Mongols out of China. A Buddhist monk, Zhu Yuanzhang, seized power in 1368. He took the name of Emperor Hongwu and founded the Ming dynasty.