I would suggest you post this question in the China forum first of all, you are more likely to get a China specific audience, I know there are some great "China experts" on that forum regularly.

From my experience I can tell you that it is not easy for a foreigner to wire money out of China. They ask a whole lot of questions (such as why, how did you get this money, etc.) and make you fill out several forms. I was trying to wire just $200 dollars for something and it ended up being such a hassle that I had my Chinese co-worker wire the money for me. To send a much larger amount such as $2500 I would expect to run into some difficulties, but then again I have never tried sending that much. I would suggest carrying it with you but I understand that may also make you rather uncomfortable. There may be an easier way from Shanghai, I don't know.