Final answer:
Marco Polo's accounts of his time in Mongol lands, including China, provided detailed insights that fascinated Europeans and informed their impressions of China. Zheng He's expeditions highlighted China's maritime prowess and power before China's self-imposed isolation. Both figures were instrumental in shaping European perceptions of China.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marco Polo and Zheng He played significant roles in shaping Western ideas about China. In 1271, Marco Polo embarked on a journey to Asia and spent almost 25 years in Mongol lands, gaining favor with Kublai Khan. His detailed descriptions about paper money, coal, and the sophistication of the Yuan Dynasty provided Europeans with an unprecedented glimpse into Chinese culture and technological advancements. His accounts from "The Travels of Marco Polo" stirred European imaginations for centuries and inspired explorers like Christopher Columbus.
During the Ming Dynasty, Zheng He led seven grand maritime expeditions, showcasing China's dominance in seafaring and trade. His impressive fleet, notably larger than any European vessels of the time, sailed to Southern Asia and Africa, collecting tributes and demonstrating China's power. However, upon his return, China began to close itself off from the rest of the world, halting further expeditions and destroying its ocean-going ships, which led to a decline in foreign influence and knowledge about distant lands.