While the majority of the early 2020 LEGO sets were released at the beginning of the month (see: January 2020 – New LEGO Sets & Promotions), there are a couple of sets that were held off until today. The two new LEGO Chinese Year sets are both beautiful and fun, so let’s take a look.
We talked about both of the sets before (see: 2020 LEGO Chinese New Year Sets Coming!), where the LEGO designer himself introduces and talks about the set. I do recommend reading that article and watching the videos, as it gives you an in-debt view of the sets. I also wanted to mention right off the bat that there is not a single sticker in these sets! All the beautiful decorations you see are printed! Both sets are truly treasure-troves for LEGO fans who like printed elements!
➡ #80104 LEGO CHINESE NEW YEAR LION DANCE: Besides the printed pieces, there is a lot to like about this set; the vibrant colors, the re-colored pieces (the white bananas and orange nougats are some of my favorites), the exclusive minifigures, the intricate architecture of the temple gate, and the amazingly detailed lions.
Speaking of the lions, notice that they have minifig feet, indicating that minifigs are holding them up, without actually putting minifigs under them. A brilliant solution that assures that the lions are accurate representations of the real thing while also remaining properly scaled and sturdy without too much complexity. The play-features are also engaging, and the two sets can be combined to create a larger scene. All in all, a fantastic set! Watch the video-review below for more details.
Here is the official descriptions of the set: Capture all the color, fun and excitement of a famous Chinese tradition with this stunningly detailed #80104 LEGO Lion Dance set – an ideal Chinese New Year gift for kids to teach them about this symbolic dance for good luck. The five beautifully decorated lion figurines can be placed on a stage with podiums to recreate the dance, and there’s a percussionists’ stage with a cool drumming function. The tiles on the LEGO temple gate are decorated with striking, traditional patterns. There are also eight minifigures for role-play, including lion dancers, and a man in rat costume to mark the Year of the Rat. Accessory elements such as the red ‘best wishes’ scroll, red orb, cabbage, calligraphy brush and a rocket firework inspire unlimited play. Temple gate measures over 5” (15cm) high, 7” (19cm) wide and 1” (3cm) deep. 882 pieces. Price: 79.99- BUY HERE
➡ #80105 LEGO CHINESE NEW YEAR TEMPLE FAIR: This set expands on the scene we were introduced to in #80104 LEGO Lion Dance set, including the main temple and a marketplace around it. The color-scheme is the same as in the previous set, and again, all the decorated pieces you see are printed. There are lots of great building techniques here, including all the different roof designs, the architectural details of the temple, the brick-built accessories in the shops, the two flowering trees, and more. Everywhere you look, you will find so many delightful details! Watch the video-review below for a full walk-through.
Here is the official description of the set: Recreate the decorative splendor and festive celebrations of a Chinese New Year temple fair with the unique #80105 LEGO Chinese New Year Temple Fair set! A wonderful Chinese New Year gift for kids to build and play solo, or share the fun with family and friends. Spectacular display, unlimited play! With a gorgeously decorated Chinese temple, stalls displaying a vast, colorful array of LEGO barbecue dishes, candy, toys, vases, and dough figurines, plus fourteen minifigures, there is so much to inspire imaginative role-play. Authentic elements such as the ‘Fu’ decorations, ‘best wishes’ scrolls, red envelopes, and ‘paper’ windmills teach kids about traditions. And they will love the rocket firework element and staging a shadow-theater performance! Temple measures over 7” (19cm) high, 9” (25cm) wide and 3” (9cm) deep. 1,664 pieces. Price: $119.99 – BUY HERE
These sets are so over the top beautiful that they basically sell themselves. In fact, they may end up being the best sets of the year. Or, perhaps they are an indication of all the amazing sets that we can look forward to in 2020. Whatever the case, I expect these two to be selling so fast LEGO will likely have trouble keeping them in stock. So, if you want them don’t delay. They are available at the seasonal items section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the two new LEGO Chinese New Year sets? Are you planning to get them? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
And you might also like to check out the following related posts:
