1.2. You will need to get H4 visa stamp when in China.
Using AP that is approved when you are not in US may or may not get you in, if port-of-entry finds that your AP approved during your trip, by law they should reject your using AP and only accept H4 visa.
3. Depending on the gap between date of entry and date of I485 approval. If the gap is just a few days, it's OK. If gap has been, say, a month, you should go to US consulate for an immigrant travel document rather than H4 visa to be safe.
Using AP that is approved when you are not in US may or may not get you in, if port-of-entry finds that your AP approved during your trip, by law they should reject your using AP and only accept H4 visa.
3. Depending on the gap between date of entry and date of I485 approval. If the gap is just a few days, it's OK. If gap has been, say, a month, you should go to US consulate for an immigrant travel document rather than H4 visa to be safe.