Smaller cities and many provincial capitals have few western books available. If you like 'Finnegans Wake' and 'Moll Flanders' there are lots of copies available in China. One suggestion is to send a M bag of good paperbacks and favorite titles ahead from the US before you leave. I don't know about UK mail arrangements, but M bags are relatively cheap to mail and they have been reliable for me and my friends. The only problem is 6 to 9 weeks delivery time.
China is flooded with cheap counterfeit software.
A good selection of legitimate English software is not available even in Beijing. Very limited Mac software. There are some interesting materials in the rip-offs, but a lot of problems like bad copy and viruses. If you want good western English software, bring it with you or have it sent. It is not advisable to bring a desk top, but many come to China with their favorite portable.