I travel to Shanghai 4-5 times a year business but have never taken my Wife and Daughter.
This year we are looking to change that, we have amjor concern however and that is that our Daughter is allergic (Anaphylatic) to Peanuts. So my wife is very concerned about how we will go travelling to China.

Does anyone have any experience with taking or living with a Child who is Anaphylactic to Peanuts (or anything else) in Shanghai? It is a real concern as we have nearly lost her once to this allergy.

Welcome to my world. I am so allergic to peanuts that when they are served on planes, I cough and sneeze and my face breaks out. Im allergic to ALL nuts and most seeds but peanuts are my downfall. Luckily (or unluckily) I was exposed to them throughout my childhood so nowadays I easily run to the bathroom and take care of business at the slightest hint of injestion. The docs tell me this will soon change as the more I avoid ingestion, the more severe my reactions will get and I should start carrying my epipen which I leave at home.
Anyways- youre question: Yes its a problem. But it can be dealt with. The rule of the game is if your child is allergic to the point of anaphalaxsis, avoid ALL 'local' restaurants period including chinese, thai and indian restaurants. Even the upscale Chinese restaurants on the Bund or in Xintiandi have no concept of serious food allergens. They dont realize that a wok used with peanut oil cannot simply be rinsed and deemed 'peanut-free' let alone be washed with soap and water and be 'peanut-free'. I went to one place, supposedly THE poshest Chinese restuarant in Shanghai, that served me a dish littered with split peanuts after reminding the manager I was allergic. The waiter apologized profusely, removed the dish to the kitchen, and brought it out three minutes later after someone had obviously picked the peanuts out.
Im sure there are probably some local asian resturants that dont use any nuts or nut oils but I certainly wouldnt risk it if i had a daughter with a serious allergy.

Most locals that I talk to take my allergy very lightly and think Im joking when I ask them not to eat peanuts at the same table with me. They just have never heard of that allergy and cant fathom the reaction that it gives me.

Ive had problems with indian food (cashews) and thai food (assorted nuts). But I take my chances just because I havent had a real life-threatening scare.... yet. I assume you dont want to take these chances with your daughter.

Theres plenty of Western restaurants in town that can accomodate your daughter in Shanghai. You should have no problems if you stick to the more upscale western joints.

Also, the trains can be a problem. They are for me: LOTS OF SEED AND NUT EATING IN A CLOSED ENVIRONMENT. And there is the local habit of spitting the seed shells so the allergens go everywhere.
Bring your benadryl and your epipens, avoid local asian food restuarants, avoid long distance train rides, and have a good time.

PM me if you need any more info.

Thanks for that run down... that is the tack I was thinking... avoid the local adventures and stick to the known foods...preferably in Hotels or up market restaurants.....as we get closer to coming I may PM you. Thanks