xiamen and southern airlines carry on baggage

Hello I will study to china , so I need to bring my laptop. In addition one piece of bagpack I bring to cabin, can I also bring a piece of personal items, laptop bag to cabin? I am planning to go with xiamen air or southtern airlines , but this two airlines, in their website, has information that passenger in economy class can only bring 1 piece luggage to cabin. any experience from u guys taking xiamen air / china southern airlines? are we allowed to take extra laptop bag with us?