Welcome to the world of alternative building bricks!
This guide is for those interested in exploring replica LEGO, Lepin, or other building blocks and minifigures from China.
Introduction #
The term “Lepin” is often used as a blanket reference for all Chinese-made LEGO-compatible bricks, even though Lepin, as a brand, no longer exists. Alternatives are known by various names like KO bricks, bootlego, Lepin, or alternative bricks.
This guide covers all aspects of Chinese bricks and building blocks.
Overview of the Chinese Bricks Market #
China has dozens of manufacturers producing LEGO-compatible products. These can be categorized as:
1. LEGO-Compatible Bricks: #
- LEGO replicas: Copies of existing LEGO sets, including modified versions.
- MOCs (My Own Creations): Original designs, often based on freely available or licensed designs.
- Original sets: Such as Enlighten’s Keeppley brand (licensed Evangelion and Doraemon sets) or CADA (licensed Initial D sets).
- Spare parts: Baseplates, bricks, and more.
- Duplo-like bricks: Larger-scale bricks for younger builders.
2. LEGO-Like Bricks: #
- Smaller scale LEGO: For example, LOZ bricks.
- Other bricks: Nano Blocks, Diamond Blocks, etc., which differ from traditional LEGO designs.
3. Minifigures: #
- LEGO clones: Replicas of LEGO minifigures.
- Custom clones: Unique designs or characters LEGO doesn’t produce.
- Original figures: Based on series LEGO doesn’t cover.
- Minifigure spare parts: Accessories and custom pieces.
Each cloned set can be produced by multiple brands. Brick4.com is an excellent resource for finding sets, reviews, and differences between them.
Contents #
- What is Lepin?
- Current Brands and Quality
- Things to Know Before Buying
- Where and How to Buy
- Instructions
What is Lepin? #
Lepin was a Chinese company (2016–2019) that gained popularity for producing affordable replicas of LEGO sets, including retired and current sets. After a successful lawsuit by LEGO, Lepin was shut down in 2019.
Today, Lepin’s spirit lives on under various names like KING, Queen, Jack, ZEBRA, and Lion King. Lepin’s sister company, XingBao, focuses on original MOCs and still operates legally.
Current Brands and Quality #
The Chinese bricks market offers many brands, and the quality has improved significantly. Common brands include:
- Brick manufacturers: KING/Queen, Mould King, Sheng Yuan (SY), Sembo, Decool/JISI, LELE, Xingbao, Panlos, CADA, and more.
- Minifigure makers: POGO, XINH, WM (World Minifigures), Decool, SY, Kopf, and others.
For a detailed list of brands and reviews, visit:
- Brick4.com: A catalog for LEGO, replicas, and MOCs.
- Herobloks.com: For minifigure details and filters.
Most brands now produce bricks with quality close to LEGO, often at 95% or better. Some, like GoBricks, are considered on par with LEGO.
Potential Quality Issues #
Although rare, problems may include:
- Missing pieces: Contact the seller for replacements.
- Damaged pieces: Errors during molding.
- Assembly issues: Common with large MOCs designed digitally.
Are Chinese Bricks Safe? #
Yes, most Chinese bricks are made using ABS plastic—the same material LEGO uses. There have been no serious health concerns reported in recent years. Proper storage and cleaning can help maintain their quality over time.
Things to Know Before Buying #
- Discontinued products: Some brands and sets may no longer be available.
- Instructions: LEGO replicas can often use LEGO instructions. For MOCs, instructions may need to be purchased separately.
- Customs fees: Check your country’s regulations to avoid surprises.
- Avoid preorders: Release dates and prices can be uncertain.
- Be wary of scams: Prices that seem too good to be true usually are.
Where and How to Buy #
- Use Brick4.com to research brands and sets.
- Most sets are sold without original boxes to reduce shipping costs. If a box is needed, request it from the seller for an extra fee.
- Compare prices across stores to find the best deal.
Instructions and Spare Parts #
- LEGO instructions: Download from LEGO’s official site.
- Spare parts: Some sellers and stores specialize in selling individual bricks.
Conclusion #
Chinese bricks offer a cost-effective alternative to LEGO, with a wide range of options for sets, MOCs, and minifigures. With a little research, you can find high-quality replicas and original creations at a fraction of the cost.
For detailed reviews and community advice, check out forums like Brick4.com or Reddit communities dedicated to alternative bricks.
