we are planning to visit china during first week in may 2013

May I know whether Beijing is your main destination, where you can climb the well-known Great Wall and visit Panda Zoo? If so, it will be warm then, with the average temperature of 20C. There may be some drizzle but clear and sunny days are in the majority. I suggest you take along both long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts as well as jeans. Dress and shorts will do for a sunny afternoon. A light coat may also be necessay to keep warm in cool early morning and night.

As for the shopping places, Xidan and Wangfujing are recommended for you.