This is almost like "how long is a piece of string?"

It depends on what and where you are going to eat. I live in China and mainly eat Chinese food. i just had dinner at a small canteen and it cost me 8RMB or $1, a western style meal, steak and veges cost up to 150RMB. Pizzas about 80rmb, KFC 55rmb.

Buses start at 1rmb and taxis flagfall between 6 & 11rmb.

Have you been to Dalian yet? We are going there on cruise ship and will be in port only for the day and wondering if we should be taking a tour or do you think we can see the highlights by wandering around on our own.

Thanks

You will need transport to get to some sights, so take a tour. Less hassle and try if you can to get one where you can pick some of what you see. You are not there for very long from what I can understand.

a good quality meal for two, in a good and clean restaurant (not a hotel, nor top class but fairly good nonetheless), including a couple beers is about 110RMB, a little more/ a little less depending what you want to eat. Typically I would spend that per night for dinner. This does not apply to Shanghai, Beijing etc where I would spend about 180 to 200 on average per night.

If paying cash and don't ask for a receipt don't forget to get your gift (soap, a pair of socks etc...)

Suffice to say you will be completely and utterly full.

5 and 10 rmb meals loose their novelty after a while...