Is the winter in Beijing very cold and is there a chance to see snow?

Hi I Fazrul, I am from Malaysia, I want to say something about the weather and others because I am going to beijing china in january 7-17, 2011. Are essential items such as winter sweater, leather shoes and others are so cheap and affordable? Is the weather is very cold and there is a chance I feel the snow? thank you for helping me about this and good evening.