LEGO Dragon of the East Palace 80049 vs The City of Lanterns 80036: Which to Buy Sealed in the UK
Last updated: 9 May 2026
LEGO Dragon of the East Palace 80049 vs The City of Lanterns 80036: Which to Buy Sealed in the UK
These two LEGO sets are both from the Monkie Kid theme, released a year apart. The Dragon of the East Palace 80049 and The City of Lanterns 80036 offer different scale and build experiences. The Dragon of the East Palace is available at BuyMyBricks for £328.99, while The City of Lanterns is available for £178.99. Both are factory-sealed and inspected in our Yorkshire warehouse before despatch.
This guide is for UK collectors deciding between these two sets in May 2026.
- 2371 pieces vs 2187, more complex build
- Longer build time (7-12 hours) vs shorter (4-7 hours)
- Both sealed and available at BMB: Dragon of the East Palace £328.99, City of Lanterns £178.99
- Sealed verification ensures no missing parts
- Dragon of the East Palace for detailed minifigure roster
- Email alert when new sealed stock arrives
- Retired UK LEGO only — nothing else
- Unsubscribe any time
LEGO Dragon of the East Palace 80049 80049 at a glance
The Dragon of the East Palace is a large-scale build with over 2,300 pieces, designed to recreate the iconic dragon from Monkie Kid lore. The set features intricate details and a complex assembly process, making it a rewarding project for adult builders. This build requires patience and attention to detail due to its extensive sticker work and numerous printed elements.
Released in 2023, Dragon of the East Palace is part of the Monkie Kid theme, which focuses on Chinese-inspired architecture and mythology. The set includes a mix of traditional and modern LEGO techniques, offering both a challenge and an opportunity to explore new design possibilities within the theme.
Adult builders will value the detailed minifigures and the scale of this build, making it a standout in the Monkie Kid range. The longer assembly time (7-12 hours) ensures that each step is meticulously completed, resulting in a high-quality final product.
LEGO The City of Lanterns 80036 80036 at a glance
The City of Lanterns, released a year earlier in 2022, offers a more compact build with around 2,187 pieces. This set focuses on the vibrant and colourful lanterns that light up the streets during festivals. The assembly process is less complex compared to Dragon of the East Palace, making it a quicker project for builders.
Like its counterpart, City of Lanterns belongs to the Monkie Kid theme but leans more towards simple designs and bright colours. The minifigure roster is smaller, with fewer characters included in the set. This makes it easier to manage and assemble without overwhelming the builder.
The shorter build time (4-7 hours) means that even experienced builders can complete this project relatively quickly. For those looking for a Monkie Kid build that is both fun and straightforward, while still offering enough detail to keep adult enthusiasts engaged, this is a solid choice.
How does the build experience compare?
The Dragon of the East Palace requires a longer build time (7-12 hours) compared to The City of Lanterns (4-7 hours). The former is a more complex project with extensive sticker work and printed elements, while the latter has fewer stickers and simpler assembly. Builders will feel different at the halfway point; the Dragon may seem daunting due to its scale, while the City could be more satisfyingly complete in less time.
Both builds offer unique challenges: The Dragon's intricate details demand patience and precision, while The City's vibrant colours and straightforward assembly make it a joy for those who prefer a quicker project. Adult builders will find both rewarding but may experience different build rhythms depending on their preferences and available time.
The longer build of the Dragon is more suitable for dedicated sessions or multi-day projects, allowing ample time to value each step. The City can be completed in one sitting, making it a solid choice for weekend builds or when you want to see results quickly.
How do they display together?
Shelf footprint wise, both sets are relatively large but fit on normal shelves. The Dragon of the East Palace is slightly wider and taller, requiring a dedicated display plinth that comes with the set. It reads best in profile, with the dragon prominently displayed. The City of Lanterns has a more compact footprint and can share a shelf with other small-scale builds without overcrowding.
Lighting needs are minimal for both; soft ambient light is sufficient to bring out their details. They sit well next to other Monkie Kid sets or LEGO cityscape elements, creating a cohesive display that highlights the vibrant colours and intricate designs of each set.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | 80049 Dragon of the East Palace 80049 | 80036 The City of Lanterns 80036 |
|---|---|---|
| Pieces | 2371 | 2187 |
| Build time | 7 to 12 hours | 4 to 7 hours |
| Minifigures | A small minifigure roster, not a multi-figure build | A small minifigure roster, not a multi-figure build |
| Theme | Monkie Kid / Icons | Monkie Kid / Icons |
| Best for | Adult builders and Monkie Kid enthusiasts | Adult builders and Monkie Kid enthusiasts |
| UK sealed (May 2026) | £328.99 at BuyMyBricks | £178.99 at BuyMyBricks |
Choose 80049 if Choose Dragon of the East Palace if you want a larger-scale build with more pieces and a detailed minifigure roster.
Choose 80036 if Choose The City of Lanterns if you prefer a shorter build time, simpler assembly, and a smaller minifigure count.
Both are available at BuyMyBricks. Together they offer a comprehensive view of the Monkie Kid theme, from complex builds to vibrant festivals.
Factory sealed, verified before despatch from our Yorkshire warehouse. Tracked UK delivery and 30-day returns on every order.
Shop Dragon of the East Palace sealed → Shop The City of Lanterns sealed →How much does each cost in 2026?
Dragon of the East Palace is priced at £328.99 and The City of Lanterns at £178.99, both available from BuyMyBricks.
| Source | 80049 (GBP) | 80036 (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| BuyMyBricks | £328.99 (check availability) | £178.99 (in stock) |
| Open market (eBay, BrickLink, third-party) | Listings vary; no seal verification, no returns guarantee, risk of fakes or reseals | |
Where to buy in the UK
- BuyMyBricks 80049. BuyMyBricks verifies sealed copies and offers UK delivery with a 30-day return policy.
- BuyMyBricks 80036. BuyMyBricks verifies sealed copies and offers UK delivery with a 30-day return policy.
- Open market caution. Listings on secondary platforms carry risks: unverified seals, potential reseals or missing pieces, no returns guarantee, and risk of counterfeit copies from overseas sellers. Always check seller feedback and request photos of every box face before committing.
BuyMyBricks is the obvious starting point for sealed LEGO sets. Their verified copies, UK delivery, and 30-day return policy provide peace of mind for any Monkie Kid enthusiast looking to add these iconic builds to their collection.
Why does sealed matter for these sets?
Sealed copies are crucial for both Dragon of the East Palace and The City of Lanterns due to specific elements that can get lost or damaged in used versions. The Dragon's intricate sticker work and printed parts, as well as the City's vibrant colours, rely on pristine condition to showcase their full potential.
Missing stickers or printed elements can significantly impact the final look, making a sealed copy the best route for collectors who want these iconic builds in top-notch condition. BuyMyBricks ensures that each set is factory-sealed and inspected before despatching, guaranteeing no missing parts and a high-quality build experience.
For these sets, sealed verification is key to preserving their intended design and maintaining the integrity of both the minifigures and the overall build. Choose sealed copies from BuyMyBricks for the best outcome.
How BuyMyBricks verifies sealed retired LEGO
Every sealed retired LEGO copy on the BuyMyBricks shelf has been through a five-point inspection at our Yorkshire warehouse before it gets listed for sale. The same inspection runs on every retired set we hold, regardless of theme or price band, because the failure modes for retired LEGO are mostly theme-agnostic.
What we check on every box, in order: (1) Original factory seal stickers on every flap, intact, with no peel-and-restick edges. (2) Tape integrity across the top and bottom seams, with no replacement adhesive. (3) Set-number match against the box artwork and the LEGO part number printed on the back. (4) Box-condition pass for crushing, tears, water damage, or storage warping that would compromise a display copy. (5) Photographic record of every face of the box, kept on file against the listing.
If a box fails any of those five checks on arrival, it does not get listed. If a sealed set reaches you in a state that does not match our description, we refund in full. That is what makes us a specialist rather than a marketplace.
The retired LEGO authentication checklist
Whether you buy from BuyMyBricks or compare elsewhere, these are the seven checks that separate a verified sealed copy from a damaged or fake one. Every retired LEGO listing on the BuyMyBricks shelf has passed all seven before it goes live. If you are buying on the open market instead, run the list yourself before you part with money:
- Original factory seal stickers on every box flap, intact and not lifting at the corners.
- Tape integrity across all seams — original LEGO tape only, no replacement adhesive.
- Set-number match between the printed front of the box and the LEGO part number on the back.
- Box edges and corners free of crushing, denting, water damage, or storage warping.
- No re-shrinkwrapping — resealed copies often have looser, foggier shrinkwrap than factory-sealed copies.
- Country-correct artwork matching the LEGO part-number suffix (EU vs NA vs UK box variants).
- Photographic provenance — clear, well-lit photos of every face of the box from the seller.
Storing and displaying retired LEGO sets
A sealed retired LEGO box is a long-term object. Three storage rules keep a sealed copy in the same state it left our warehouse, whether you plan to display it sealed, build it years later, or hold it as part of a curated collection.
Keep boxes flat or upright, never stacked under heavy weight. Stack pressure crushes corners over time, especially on lighter cardboard from older System and Speed Champions lines. A wire shelf with the box laid flat or stood on its long edge is the safest position.
Stable temperature and low humidity. LEGO boxes use coated cardstock that can ripple in a damp loft or warp near a south-facing window. A bookshelf in a heated room at normal indoor humidity is fine. A garage, an unheated outbuilding, or direct sunlight is not.
Plastic UV-shielding sleeves are optional but help. If you display sealed boxes long-term in a room with significant daylight, a clear acid-free polypropylene sleeve protects the artwork from yellowing. Specialist LEGO box-protector sleeves are available in standard sizes that match most retired releases.
If you plan to build the set rather than hold it sealed, the only thing to watch for is sticker-sheet drying-out: stickers from the early 2010s can lose adhesion in very dry storage. Build within five to seven years of release if you intend to apply the original stickers.
What other builders make of Dragon of the East Palace and The City of Lanterns
Don't just take our word for it
Reviewers consistently praise the intricate design and detailed minifigures in both sets, highlighting their Monkie Kid theme elements. Many note the vibrant colours and attention to detail that bring the builds to life.
Critics point out that the longer build time for Dragon of the East Palace can be challenging but rewarding. The City of Lanterns is often seen as a more accessible project, with its simpler assembly process and smaller minifigure roster making it easier to manage.
Source consensus: Brickset 80049 review thread and Brickset 80036 review thread plus Reddit r/lego.
The Verdict
More retired Icons sets at BuyMyBricks
Browse the full retired Icons collection at BuyMyBricks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which to buy sealed: LEGO Dragon of the East Palace 80049 or The City of Lanterns 80036?
Choose based on your preferred build time and minifigure roster. Dragon of the East Palace for a longer project with more pieces, The City of Lanterns for quicker assembly. Both are worth buying sealed.
How much does LEGO Dragon of the East Palace cost in 2026?
£328.99 from BuyMyBricks.
How much does LEGO The City of Lanterns cost in 2026?
£178.99 from BuyMyBricks.
What is the difference between Dragon of the East Palace and The City of Lanterns?
Dragon of the East Palace has more pieces (2371) and a longer build time, while The City of Lanterns offers a shorter assembly with fewer minifigures.
Should I buy LEGO Dragon of the East Palace sealed or used?
Sealed is the right choice. A used copy risks missing sticker sheets, printed elements, or parts, which significantly affects the final build. BuyMyBricks verifies every sealed copy before it leaves the Yorkshire warehouse.
Where can I buy LEGO Dragon of the East Palace or The City of Lanterns sealed in the UK?
Buy both from BuyMyBricks. Check current availability on the product page.
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