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Product highlights
Intermediate
Difficulty
344
Pieces
6-8
Hours
10+
Ages
9.4" x 5.3" x 7.1"
Assembled Size (1:24)
NOSTALGIA · AUTUMN · 1930s
Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit
$109.99
Pay 4x $27.49 with Klarna
Pay 4x $27.49 with Klarna
Added to your order automatically, at no cost, to keep dust off the finished build.
What the build levels mean
BeginnerNo experience needed, snap together parts and clear pictures for every step
IntermediateSmaller parts and wiring, best if you have built a kit before
AdvancedFine detail work and patience required, for confident builders
Build a 1930s Shanghai love story and display it forever. Hidden inside this kit are two letters. One is an invitation: "meet me tonight." The other is a farewell. Snap together 344 precision-cut pieces in 6 to 8 hours to recreate the golden light of the Paris of the East, with zero painting and no glue required.
Story-first details: Glowing lanterns, a vintage tram, flickering neon, and a secret tram ticket tucked inside the scene.
Done in one weekend: 6 to 8 hours of deeply relaxing crafting with a clear, step-by-step wiring guide included.
Completion Guarantee: Join 250,000+ builders. Worried about the wiring? The guide walks every step. Break a piece and we replace it free.
In the box
All parts, LED kit, tools
Build time
6 to 8 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Glue
Included
Pay 4x
$27.49
with Klarna
Anniversary OfferFree Gift · Acrylic Display Cover
Free Gift · Acrylic Dust Cover
Gift orders are packed without prices in the box.
Every part is pre-cut and numbered, and the lighting arrives pre-wired, so there is no cutting, no soldering and no electrical work. The illustrated booklet gives you one step per page. This kit is rated Intermediate and most builders finish it in 6 to 8 hours.
All parts, LED kit, tools. You do not need to supply anything else.
About 6 to 8 hours. You can spread that across as many sittings as you like, because nothing has to be finished in one go.
Our Completion Guarantee covers it. If a piece is missing or damaged, or a light fails, we send a free replacement so that you can finish the build.
Every order ships tracked, with delivery updates by email. Unopened kits can be returned within 30 days.
Build your set
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Total$109.99
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Anavrin rewardYou are not paying full price twicePacked inside your box is an exclusive code that gives you 20 percent off your next ANAVRIN kit. Whatever you build next, it costs less. Already sorted.Exclusive offer: buy today, get 20 percent off your next buildEvery order ships with an exclusive discount packed inside the box. Worth up to 20 percent off your next kit. No catch, no expiry hunt.
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Completion Guarantee
Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Free Replacement Parts
Free Dust Cover
Pre-Wired Lighting System
If you have ever wandered the streets of Old Shanghai, you have felt its pulse. Now it is your turn to build it. As dusk falls, lanterns flicker to life beneath ornate facades, and the hum of distant trams mingles with quiet conversation from hidden teahouses. Trade the screen for something real. A weekend of genuine calm, ending with our most elegant display piece glowing on your shelf.
No experience needed. No frustration. Just follow along. Every one of the 344 wooden pieces is precision-cut and pre-colored, so no painting is required. The 10-source LED system comes completely pre-wired. Just follow the visual guide, take your time with the vintage facades, and watch the golden era emerge under your hands.
If you break a piece, we replace it. Free. No questions asked. Your piece of Old Shanghai is guaranteed from the moment you open the box.
Switch on the lights. Find the tram ticket. Step into the 1930s.
Details & Specifications
If you have ever wandered the streets of Old Shanghai, you have felt its pulse, a city alive with the rhythm of jazz and the scent of tea drifting through narrow lanes. As dusk falls, lanterns flicker to life beneath ornate facades, and the hum of distant trams mingles with quiet conversation from hidden teahouses. It is a place where East met West in the golden light of the 1930s, an era of elegance, mystery, and timeless charm.
Size: 9.4 (H) x 5.3 (W) x 7.1 (L) inches
Pieces: 344
Package Includes:344 Pre-cut and Colored Wooden Pieces, English Instruction Guide, LED Lights, Tools & Tweezer, 1 x Frontal Dust Cover (Free Gift)
Main Materials: Wood, Paper, LED Light, Acrylic
Powered by: 2 x AAA batteries (Not included)
LED Sources: 10 LED light sources
Estimated Assembly Time: 6 to 8 hours
Shipping & Returns
We ship worldwide. All duties and taxes are included, no surprise charges on delivery.
United States: 3 to 5 business days United Kingdom & Europe: 4 to 7 business days Canada: 4 to 9 business days Australia: 4 to 7 business days Asia: 3 to 7 business days Rest of World: 4 to 12 business days
If your order is lost in transit, we will investigate and arrange a replacement.
Returns: Not happy with your order? Return it within 60 days for a refund, no questions asked.
Product highlights
Intermediate
Difficulty
344
Pieces
6-8
Hours
10+
Ages
9.4" x 5.3" x 7.1"
Assembled Size (1:24)
Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit
$109.99 USD
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
VS
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.
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.
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 9365 reviews.
The end result is beautiful! But there were a few things I wasn’t crazy about. The first being that there is a great deal of ” Fussy work” Involving very tiny pieces of plastic that were not the easiest to work with, if you’re older.. I love the lighting. The one thing I disliked outright was at the beginning: you had to add the back piece and it did nothing but keep falling over throughout the entire build. It drove me crazy. But the end result was spectacular! My son will love it. Thank you Anvarin!
This is my third Anavrin build and I can honestly say I consider this my legacy piece. It’s my Hands-down favorite kit that I’ve ever assembled. The quality and detail is astonishing! I had no problems. The wiring was perfect in terms of fit and length and the pieces are made of thick wood and beautifully detailed acrylic. I would rate this an intermediate to advanced kit, but if you just follow the very clear directions, I think most anyone could do it. This is my all-time favorite company. I’m getting ready to build the Seoul Kit, next. Thank you, Anavrin. Your kits cost a little more but they are worth every penny!
Loved it & looks amazing finished. Looks like a piece of art and all the tiny details are amazing. Instructions were very clear and easy to understand. Had so much fun building it, though it did only take 6-7 hours. Sadly one of my deers was broken, but it looks good without it too. The touch-power button did not work well, but I tried adding some aluminium foil and it seems to work better.. Wish the music box played something more fantasy-ish music, but it sounds nice.
What a great build. The product quality is top notch. So many details to contribute to the story. The outside walls tell a story too. The lighting was very easy to follow.
This was a challenging build! That being said, if you take your time and are patient You will be blown away at the end just as I was! This kit is the highest quality of any kit. I’ve built to date.. The directions were clear, although somehow I messed up and can’t get the dust cover on the front. But building the lanterns and assembling the umbrellas really took the build to another level. I would consider myself experienced and it still took me several days at 5 to 6 hours a day. It’s worth the time and the money. I would recommend this over any other brand and I have built them all.
Cat's crossing was so much fun to put together! The greenery was great and added a good touch to the overall aesthetic. I love that you can arrange the books however you want. This detail makes it easy to create a unique look for yourself. The only problem I have had is with the on/off button. It doesn't work when installed. It works when not installed though. Still a fun build and a good looking finish.
Best experience I’ve had building a book nook, the pieces fit together so well and the instructions were incredibly clear thanks to the large colour printing. I added a few extra customisations just to make it my own and I absolutely love how it turned out!
What a centerpiece! I adore it. Turned out so well. Very enchanting and it was so much fun to embellish with various static grasses and vines I had on hand. I caked the tree with the fake grass by using B-7000 glue and dipping the tree in it. I also used some of the fiber fill from the deer boxes on the waterfall ridge for a misty mountain effect.
This is so much fun I just love it. People look at it and are fascinated by the detail! I am working on the cat crossing which is a little harder but fun too. I have ordered my next project!
I love it. It was so fun to make. The only problem I had was a little piece broke off where the battery pack is inserted. I think this is my favorite one so far again I love it.
This was a difficult build to be honest. Some very fiddly parts. I had some fit issues and some of the instructions were not very clear. I feel like I had to use a lot more glue than in previous builds. The on/off switch doesn't work when installed. It is a gorgeous end product though. I enjoyed the overall experience.
This was really fun to build! It’s so cool to have a music box with the beautiful lights that showcase this magical little world.
The only reason I have this 4 stars instead of 5 is because the specs seem to be a bit off at the base. The music box will get stuck because there isn’t enough clearance between the base that it’s contained in so you have to jiggle the box a bit to get the music box to continue playing through.
This was one of my favorite builds. The detail to all the different pieces is amazing! The directions for the wiring was a little confusing but overall it was a good time.
Only really getting into the meat of the kit, but I am enjoying the challenge. It’s not easy, and you have to concentrate, but that’s great for stress relief. The detailing is great, the pieces are superbly cut from the boards, and the look is quality. I’ll do another after Kyoto.
Great craft to spend time with on the weekends! Took my mind off work for quite some time. The instructions were easy to follow and everything was clearly labelled. Looking forward to my next purchase already (:
This was a fun build. The drink dispenser and the food details are so awesome. The middle lighting with the globes was my favorite detail. Great experience!
One of my favourites! A really beautifully crafted book nook. Every miniature detail feels intentional, from the warm architectural textures to the delicate bread displays, creating a truly immersive scene.
The build quality is excellent, with clean components and a satisfying assembly process. Once completed, it becomes a stunning display piece that adds depth and character to any shelf or reading space, especially when illuminated, where it truly comes to life.
Great experience setting it up. Ive ordered over 15 booknooks or builds from various companies but this was by far the best. Really good quality and the instructions are so clear, it was a joy to set this up.
In progress. The kit is super cute and made with quality materials. The circuit board and lights weren’t working but they are sending me a replacement. Very good customer service. This is my 2nd kit and I have another already purchased.
This wooden Book Nook is an absolute masterpiece! Every detail has been thoughtfully designed, capturing the atmosphere, architecture, and nostalgic beauty of a bygone era.
The craftsmanship is exceptional. The wooden pieces fit together perfectly, and the intricate decorations create an incredibly immersive scene. The warm lighting adds a magical touch, making the entire display come alive, especially in the evening.
I cannot recommend this Book Nook highly enough. It combines creativity, craftsmanship, nostalgia, and cultural charm in a truly unforgettable way.
J’étais ravi de la maquette
T’es vraiment un plaisir de la monter de concevoir de la fabriquer et le plaisir. Le résultat est génial je suis satisfait, c’est la quatrième que je fais de cette marque-là et je vais certainement recommander une ou deux.
This is my 5th Anavrin build, and this one was absolutely the best to build. The challenge of working with fake grass for the first time was very exciting and fun to do. I hope Anavrin designs more of these adventure builds, our science fiction builds.
Kind regards,
Fons,
Belgium
![[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin](http://byanavrin.com/cdn/shop/files/11_a1567d1f-18fb-4f17-b62a-647735d77d8b.png?v=1766984129&width=1080)
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![[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin](http://byanavrin.com/cdn/shop/files/15_54ecd841-5537-432b-b9f3-1ad3bb511721.png?v=1766984129&width=1080)
![[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin](http://byanavrin.com/cdn/shop/files/10_822717f4-82a0-427d-98b9-6b2bc1ef7c4c.png?v=1767149529&width=1080)
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![[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin](http://byanavrin.com/cdn/shop/files/27_9f70afca-aa25-4261-ad41-1797e498d380.png?v=1767149529&width=1080)
![[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin](http://byanavrin.com/cdn/shop/files/28_23ab364a-b31d-4dda-9472-6334d91cbac0.png?v=1767149529&width=1080)
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![[Coming Soon] Old Shanghai Book Nook Kit - Anavrin](http://byanavrin.com/cdn/shop/files/11_a1567d1f-18fb-4f17-b62a-647735d77d8b.png?v=1766984129&width=1400)
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