Honestly, i think you don't need to bring some special things from America, aside from the particular personal things. you can buy lots of things in Dalian's shopping malls. But if you will go there in August, that is a really hot season. Anyway, that is a good season to wander around the beach.

Which part of States do you come from?
I was borned in Dalian, and Dalian is awesome.

I currently live in Dalian China. I am an educator working here. It is a relatively nice place, very clean for China, (the air particularly is very good) but honestly the pictures and websites make it out to be a lot better than it is.
Recently a new branch of the Ikea opened. In the city itself there are some major fashion names. Eg. Espirit, D&G and Prada. Bring any of your favourite cooking particulary for baking, things like deoderant, cream (lotion) and Jello are important. Also bring rice! It sounds rather strange bringing rice to China but unless you are prepared for sticky and only sticky rice bring your own long grain.