A new book of photography displays the historical treasures of Shanghai with more than 400 pages capturing for posterity some 740 of the city's finest old buildings, writes Ma Dan.

As more and more old buildings are disappearing from Shanghai's landscape making room for new glittering skyscrapers, many are lamenting the loss of some important pieces of history. Fortunately a newly released photo album goes a long way to evoking memories of those times gone by.

Presented by the Shanghai Municipal Housing, Land and Resources Administration Bureau and Shanghai Sanya Culture, Communication and Exhibition Co Ltd, the book "Inheritance" showcases the beauty of many of the historical buildings that have borne witness to the city's astronomical development.

From the well-known former office building of the China Disc Factory in Xuhui District to what was once the Central Reserve Bank building in Jing'an District, the album features the fourth batch of the Heritage Architecture for Conservation in Shanghai announced by the city government last October.

The list includes 234 historical sites and 740 buildings. It features exquisite designs and various exotic architectural styles, ranging from the Neoclassicism, the French Renaissance and Eclecticism, to traditional Chinese styles.

The 400-page-odd photo album, "Inheritance," is available in local bookstores priced at 680 yuan (US$85).