how far is shenyang from shanghai?

It is about 1750km by road between the two cities.

about 2.5 hours by plane or a little more than one whole day by the K (slow) train; that way you stay on the same train for the whole trip. If you want to try the TGV, very fast trains from Shenyang, you will arrive first in Beijing then here it is complicated: you have to find a way from Beijing Zhan to Beijing Nan - South Station, either by subway or taxi. Both of which will take forever. But once you arrive at Beijing Nan, there are many "G" trains, (the ultra-fast trains) so you won't have to wait long. But I think the last G train leaves Beijing Nan at 5.30pm, Good luck!