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Here is a link to a great site which shows you the best prices around (often Amazon). I personally wouldn't buy in China, in case something went wrong. I had looked in Singapore a couple of years ago and they weren't cheaper; perhaps China is.

That site also gives you an idea of how much each model is, with or without kit lens, so you can look up the cameras at your preferred price level. I've always had Canon and have been very pleased with the cameras; very easy to use, good quality, etc.. but I'm sure as many people will tell you to go for Nikon (and others will recommend other brands). All brands will have pre-set functions for landscapes, people, etc.

Have you checked that you're allowed to video in that temple? Some places may not allow it. Good luck - it can be a very addictive hobby!

Whatever make/model you decide on, I'd advise getting the camera as soon as possible so that your son can get used to the functions and the feel of it before you go.  He really won't want to be reading the manual when he's in the middle of getting that shot of a lifetime.

As far as I recall, you can video at Shaolin - I assume you want the monks doing their kung-fu stuff and their show is put on in a hall.

Hi Scheungy, Have you seen our latest issue of Take Better Travel Photos?  I was wondering whether it is worth looking at one of the new compact system cameras, rather than an SLR? We have reviews of 10 different ones, and the guys who have tried them were really impressed.
Whatever you go for, I agree with Rhoda that it is worth getting it well in advance so that your son can play with it in the back garden or wherever. Whenever I've been on an expedition cruise or safari, I've been bemused at how many people have splashed out (sometimes at the airport) on really expensive cameras that they have no idea how to use.
Let is know what you decide to go for.

I agree with what the others say, get it ASAP so that he can familiarise himself with it.  I have had my Lumix G2 for over a year and am still finding functions that I didn't know it had! We always had Cannon cameras in the days of film and they were excellent, I believe the digital ones are pretty good.  I went for my Lumix G2 because it is 2/3 size and quite like to lug around.  Trouble is it is quite complicated for a novice, I recommended my friend to get one and she has had trouble getting to grips with it, and it is by no means cheap.  Because it is 2/3 size I don't think full size lenses of other makes will fit it so you always have to buy Lumix lenses and they aren't cheap.  Lumix do make some very good compact cameras, one of which I have seen advertised that has cahngeable lenses.   Of course Nikon are very good but I think it all boils down to how much you want to pay. 
If you can get to London the London Camera Exhange which is off Oxford Street near Oxford circus have some good deals and have some good second hand stuff as well.  I think you can also buy online from them as well.  That's where we bought my camera and part exchanged my old camera.