travel from Shanghai to Tianchang City Anhui Province China

Neither direct flight nor fast train operates for the trip. I suggest you take a direct bus to reach. Go to the General Long-distance Bus Station to take a bus to Tianchang in 4-5h. Two buses are scheduled each day, at 07:15 and 13:10.

thanks for the info. How long would the trip take by car? Also 4-5 hours? what is the distance approximately? (sorry forgive my ignorance on Chinese geography I visited China many times and are still awed by the vastness of the country and also always very pleased by the kindness and helpfullness of the Chinese people, it is always a joy for me to travel to China)

The distance between these two cities is about 212 miles.
If by car, it also takes around 4 to 5 hours on the way.
And don't worry about that problem. You can fully enjoy your trip in China. :-)