Extended family visit

Planning to visit China and see family for an extended time (9-12 months) is there a tourist visa that can allow this?

I am in America and will he leaving from here. I have family that I will be staying with for the entire duration of the trip. And also since I am uncertain of return date would it be necessary to purchase roundtrip plane ticket still?

Please advice. Ty! Planning to leave before Nov 2015.