China

1.4 Billion people. Two metropolitan areas with more than 20 million people each. China is big, and it's different - not to be confused with any other.

In China, nothing is the way you think it is. The Chinese food you've had? That's not Chinese food. The Great Wall of China? Incomparable. The art, architecture and beautiful natural surroundings outside of the major city centers make you forget you're in the most populated country in the world.

You can't define China. It's too big. Too grand. Don't even try. Just make a point to go.

Capital City: Beijing

Language: Mandarin is the primary, but there exists 292 "living" languages in China.

Currency: China Yuan Renminbi (CNY). CNY is currently 7 for 1 USD.

Power Adapter: In China the power sockets are of type A, C and I. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Crime & Safety: The news about the crime in China centers around the question and the problem of human trafficking, which is a problem that is difficult to ignore. The majority of trafficking in China is internal, and isn't something likely relevant to tourist in any part of the country.

The truth is, however, that overall crime in China shouldn't be a concern to tourists. Murder and violent crime rates are one-fourth of the average of the U.S. on a per capita basis. The primary concern would be the sheer numbers you're dealing with, as China is the most populous nation in the world, and possesses several of the most populous cities.

Emergency Number: 119