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Museum-Quality Realism
Free Replacement Parts
Beginner Friendly
Pre-Wired Lighting
[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin

WHY YOU WILL BUILD THIS

The Shanghai Street That Comes Alive After Dark

There was a time when vintage trams moved through cobbled streets, jazz escaped from hidden clubs, and glowing lanterns illuminated grand Art Deco façades.

Shanghai was known as the Paris of the East,a city where cultures collided, nightlife flourished, and every narrow alley seemed to hold another story.

Most people can only experience that era through old photographs. You get to rebuild it.

  • Trade hours of mindless scrolling for a deeply satisfying build that leaves you with something worth keeping
  • Watch 344 individual pieces transform into a richly layered street from 1930s Shanghai
  • Bring the entire scene to life with ten warm lights illuminating the tram, cinema, lanterns, shopfronts, and hidden interiors
  • Discover storytelling details throughout the build, including two concealed letters and a secret vintage tram ticket
  • Recreate the contrast of East and West through ornate façades, traditional signage, cobbled alleys, and after-dark city life
  • Finish with an atmospheric, museum-quality display that becomes the focal point of your shelf
  • Build a piece of Shanghai’s golden era entirely with your own hands
  • A meaningful experience, exclusively at ANAVRIN®

Designed by artists, built by you.

Why builders choose ANAVRIN®

Not all book nook kits are made equal. Here is what sets an ANAVRIN® build apart from the generic crafts you will find elsewhere.

Other Book Nook Kits

Mass-produced, generic

  • Tiny, fiddly pieces with vague instructions
  • Poorly laser-cut pieces that warp or don't fit together cleanly
  • Flat, lifeless scenes that look great only in the photos
  • Generic figurines and recycled designs used across dozens of kits
  • No support once the box is opened
  • Sits on a shelf as another forgettable trinket

Crafted for builders who care

  • Pre-numbered pieces with a visual step-by-step manual
  • Precision cut MDF, ready to build
  • Warm ambient lighting that brings every scene to life
  • Original storytelling with hidden details and easter eggs
  • Free replacement parts - we've got you covered
  • A display piece that stops people mid-conversation

BUILT & LOVED BY THE COMMUNITY

How builders display it on their shelf.

@minibuilder · ig
@thequietbuild
@bookshelf.tokyo
@ann.builds
@analoguehours

Gifted & Loved by Over 250,000+ Happy Customers Worldwide 🎁

A heartfelt gift they’ll remember, and build with joy.

What Makes It Special

Easy To Follow Assembly

Match numbered wooden pieces with visuals in our manual. Follow the full step-by-step tutorial on our YouTube channel.

Mental Fatigue

Engaging in a detailed craft can be a mental exercise that helps refresh the mind and break the monotony of routine tasks.

Quality Time Together

Build this with friends or family, enjoy the unlimited amount of fun and laughter.

Perfect As A Gift & Decor

Gift someone an experience they will never forget and display it proudly as a one-of-a-kind decor.

Before You Begin Your Shanghai Journey…

Everything you need to know before you bring Old Shanghai’s golden era to life.

What exactly is the Old Shanghai DIY Book Nook Kit?

Step into the golden-age streets of 1930s Shanghai. This DIY kit lets you build your own mini scene of vintage trams, Art-Deco façades, glowing lanterns and hidden jazz-bars tucked into narrow alleys. It’s not just a craft project — it’s an immersive journey of nostalgia, craftsmanship and atmosphere.

Does it come with working lights? How does it work?

Yes, every kit comes with fully-functional LED lights that bring the mini scene to life. Each box includes a pre-wired lighting system; once assembled you just connect as per instructions and power it up (via USB or batteries depending on variant) to watch your miniature glow with warm ambiance.

Is it beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. Whether you’re new to DIY kits or a seasoned hobbyist, we’ve designed this with clear, numbered pieces, full-colour instructions and no painting or soldering required. Just patience, creativity and an appreciation for detail.

What’s included inside the box?

Everything you need to bring Old Shanghai to life:

  • 344 pre-cut wooden pieces (pre-colored, no paint needed)
  • Warm LED lighting set
  • English illustrated instruction manual
  • Frontal dust cover for display
  • Mini accessories and décor details

(Glue and batteries not included due to shipping restrictions.)

What makes Anavrin’s kits different?

Every kit is inspired by a real-world location, reimagined with museum-quality realism and emotional resonance. With this Old Shanghai kit you’re recreating a moment where East met West under neon and lantern-light, capturing timeless elegance and vibrant street life.

Can I gift it to someone?

Definitely. The kit arrives beautifully packaged and makes a memorable gift for book-lovers, travel fans, DIY enthusiasts — or anyone who appreciates finely crafted decor and a bit of nostalgic storytelling.

How long does shipping take?

We ship worldwide fast and insured.

  • US: 4–7 business days
  • UK / EU: 4–7 business days
  • Canada: 4–9 business days
  • Australia: 4–7 business days
  • Rest of World: 4–12 business days

All customs & duties included.

What if I break a piece or something’s missing?

Don’t worry. Our support team is here to help, we can send replacement parts so your Kyoto stays perfect.

Just reach out to us and we’ll make it right.

Do I need any extra tools?

Only the basics:

  • Craft glue (silicone-based works best)
  • A pair of scissors or tweezers

Everything else is included.
No painting, cutting, or soldering, just pure relaxation as each tiny detail falls into place.

Are these suitable for children?

Most of our kits are suitable for ages 10 and above, though many parents share that their 6–8-year-olds love building together too!

It’s a little challenging to do solo, but when built as a family bonding activity, it becomes a fun and creative screen-free experience for everyone.

Every Anavrin kit is designed in house, shipped worldwide, and backed by our replacement parts promise.