LEGO's 2025 Lunar New Year (Year of the Snake) offerings include three captivating sets. This review focuses on the most elaborate: a meticulously detailed replica of a traditional trotting lantern, set #80116.
The lantern's exterior is a testament to LEGO's design prowess. Intricate detailing adorns every surface, from the hanging red lanterns to the gold-accented borders and cloud-and-rock-themed walls.
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Construction is a layered process, adding detail upon detail, creating a delightful sense of anticipation. The intricate design evokes the joy experienced building the now-retired LEGO Carousel.
Inspired by Han Dynasty lanterns, the model incorporates a light brick and rotating mechanism to project a silhouette image, mimicking the original's use of oil lamps and rotating paper cutouts. While the projection feature is advertised, its effectiveness is limited.
The lantern's upper section opens to reveal three charming miniature scenes: a dumpling stall, a decorations stall, and a shadow puppet theater. This cleverly concealed detail adds a layer of surprise and visual intrigue. The set includes five minifigures, various accessories (dumplings, red envelopes, etc.), and one figure with a snake headdress.
The set's value depends on the buyer's priorities. While the light-up, rotating mechanism is not overwhelmingly impressive, the aesthetic beauty and intricate miniature scenes within the lantern make it a stunning Lunar New Year centerpiece. Despite its 9+ age rating, the complexity suggests a more mature building experience.
The LEGO Trotting Lantern (#80116), containing 1295 pieces, retails for $129.99 and is available at Amazon and the LEGO Store.
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