I should have read your post more closely.
Since hu*****and is H-1 (with F-1 wife), he has no problem to go back with or w/o AP.
If in a hurry, he may leave for China before receiving the receipt notice, as long as he is sure the petition has reached USCIS.
It's good for him to take a copy of I-485 receipt with him.
If he has AP, he has nothing to worry about then.