you need a H1 visa, not just status

so, when you leave bring all the material you need to apply for a new H1 visa. ( You probably have the I797 approval notice for H1 status, not the visa, the physical stamp on your passport).

If you haven't used EAD based on your 485, your H1 should be fine.

If apply H1 in China, the only thing to worry about is the background check, could be a few months.