Deng was the key in what is probably the largest economic turnaround in history. Without him, China may have become a region ravaged again by civil wars, another North Korea or, who knows, a democracy. He might just be the single most influential person since World War 2. Considering this, he seems outrageously little known in the west. Only about half of quiz takers knew him in the Paramount Leaders of China quiz, and he isn't even mentioned among the 28 answers of the China Country quiz.
#4: Many high-ranking politicians despaired when they were sent into exile. Deng enjoyed the fresh air in the countryside and his work in a tractor factory, and caught up on his reading. Upon his return a few years later, the septuagenarian seemed vital and refreshed compared to the other leaders in Beijing.
#16: By 1992, Deng had effectively retired and conservatives (i.e., those opposed to economic reforms) in the Communist Party were about to gain the upper hand. Deng's trip was devised as a giant PR campaign to call attention to recent successes and to convince the public to hold on to the opening policy. It worked.