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Thirteenth century Venetian Marco Polo is sent by his merchant father Nicolo to China on a trade mission, accompanied by his accountant Binguccio.  After an arduous journey, Marco and Binguccio arrive in China and are befriended by Chen Tsu, a scientist, who introduces Marco to the wonders of "Spaghett," chop sticks, and explosive powder.  Chen Tsu warns Marco to be wary of Ahmed, the emperor Kublai Khan's chief advisor.

In the emperor's court, Marco claims only to be there for travel, but meanwhile collects samples to take home.  He and the emperor's daughter, Princess Kukachin, begin to fall in love, even though she has been engaged since infancy to the king of Persia.  Ahmed dislikes Marco and plots his death, just as he plots to take over the empire.  He has been collecting extra taxes from the people, especially the Mongols, who are ready to fight.

While the Kublai Khan goes to war with Japan, he sends Marco as his emissary to Kaidu, leader of the Mongols.  Kaidu's men capture Marco and plan to kill him until Kaidu's possessive wife Nazama is attracted to him and Kaidu sees Marco as a means to ease her possessiveness.  While Kublai Khan is away, Ahmed takes over the palace and plans to marry Kukachin.

When the Emperor returns, Ahmed threatens to kill her if her father does not submit to Ahmed's plan to rule the kingdom with Kukachin as his bride.  Marco has meanwhile gotten word of Ahmed's treachery and, after preventing an assassination attempt against Kaidu, asks for his help in saving Kublai Khan.  Marco reaches the palace in time to prevent Kukachin's marriage and, with the help of Kaidu's army, and Chen Tsu's explosive powder, kills Ahmed and saves the throne.

After Kublai Khan settles his differences with Kaidu, he asks Marco to accompany Kukachin on her voyage to Persia.  When she asks Marco if the journey will take a long time, they kiss after he tells her that it is a very long journey.