I used to get a bunch of these sets, but I have scaled back as they have expanded outside of sets with minifigures. Many depict different Chinese themed items that I don’t exactly understand based on my lack of knowledge of the culture. This year’s release included a set with minifigures in the Chinese Traditional Festival line so I picked one up. This one is #80121-1: Ancient Moon-Gazing Inn. It was released on 1 June 2026 for $129.99. It contains 1,530 pieces which works out to $0.085 per piece. Not bad, but could be better considering it is not from a licensed theme.
The front of the box shows the full set while the back shows some of the play features.
The set contains 11 numbered parts bags and then one unnumbered part bag with some larger parts and a horse. There is an instruction booklet and some stickers.
The set claims that you can split the set up between four builders, but there is only one instruction booklet. You can either rip apart the booklet or use the app to have people build with digital instructions. I prefer building with paper so my kiddo and I built it together and just took turns. The beginning of the instructions have a brief introduction to the set and what it depicts, but I could really use some details throughout of what we’re building in some of the steps or maybe what the different signs say.
Sadly, there is a sticker sheet. These sets used to have all prints and now not so much.
Bag one builds a side build that you can connect to the rest of the build with a Technic pin. This is a small well with a tree. There is also a horse and a hand cart for the minifigure to pull.
Bag two starts the base of the inn and adds a female minifigure with a bowl of noodles. The base is all plates versus using one of the standard baseplates.
Bag three builds the kitchen area and some walls. It includes another female minfigure to cook.
Bag four adds on the remaining section attached to the kitchen with some tables to eat at and wall sections. The tables have various food items including the newer dumpling pieces and some tea cups with a pot.
Bag five adds a side room which I’m not really sure what it would be used for. Maybe storage? This bag includes a gray haired male minifigure holding a dark green piece which is supposed to be… uh… I’m not sure… LEGO, some explanations would be helpful for those of us trying to learn the culture.
Bag six adds some stairs to the second level and some plates to connect the second level of the main section to the smaller section. It also adds an outer balcony/porch area on the second level with a table and chair. This bag includes a male minifigure with some chop sticks.
Bag seven starts to build the inn section. It includes a room for sleeping and a girl minifigure with some chop sticks.
Bag eight adds a second room for sleeping and then a hallway section with a cat, a food dish, and a water dish.
Bag nine adds the frame to the roof section. It includes a male minifigure which I believe is holding a brush to write Chinese characters.
Bag 10 finishes the roof and you can place this section on top of the first section.
Bag 11 builds the section that goes on top of the small outer storage room. There is a chair with a table inside and on the table is supposed to be a… I have no idea… Usually the instructions have notes about what you are building. This one does not have them. So not sure here. This bag comes with a female minifigure.
Here is the final build. It’s a cool looking structure that is different from some of the sets that we have seen in the past. The build is not too complicated, but still uses some different techniques here and there. You do get some good pieces and there are nine minifigures. Unfortunately there are stickers and the price isn’t the greatest. Overall, I think this set fits a certain niche, but it isn’t for everyone. It’s sold out at LEGO at the time of this post, but I have seen it at other retailers still. It is planned to retire at the end of the year so if you want to pick it up, now is the time.
Happy building!
