should i bring american cell phone or purchase phone in Quanzhou, China to use there for 1 year?

You can bring your cell phone to Quanzhou, but a portable plug adaptor may also be necessary as the shape of a socket varies between countries. It can be purchased from travel stores (such as Franzus) or electronics stores (i.e. RadioShack, Best Buy) in your local countries. Also you can buy it in China.