Visit China with I-485 Pending

I plan to visit China in two months with AP. My situation: I-140 approved, I-
485 pending, working with H1-B status (no visa).

I was told that my H1-B status will expire automatically unless (1) applying
H1-B visa at US embassy in China, or (2) using EAD to work.

Is this correct? Is there any way not using EAD or applying H1-B visa but
still keeping H1-B status after backing from the trip?

Thanks.