From vibrant colors, varied shapes and its massive scale. #71799 Ninjago City Markets builds on a rich tradition of amazing Ninjago City sets.

Two years ago, we reviewed the soon-to-be retired #71741 Ninjago City Gardens which earned a praiseworthy Must Have (5/5 star) rating. Let’s explore whether #71799 Ninjago City Markets can live up to the high standards of its predecessors?

From front to back, this set is packed with details.

About this set

• LEGO Parts Weight: 4770 grams
• Price per piece: $369.99 / 6163 pieces = $0.06 per piece
• Price per gram: $369.99 / 4770 = $0.078 per gram
• Dimensions: 19″ (46cm) high, 21″ (51cm) wide, 10″ (25cm) deep

As this set is unlicensed LEGO has more flexibility with pricing and design, something that often results in better valuation. With this in mind we will compare how this set aligns to others in value later in the article. Value alone is not what makes a set good or bad though. In this article we will explore the variety of different building techniques and pieces that make up the build experience of this set to see whether it is something that you may want to pick up. While the retirement date for this set has not yet been announced, most others in this line have expired in approximately 2 years so while you still have time to pick up this set, if you want to pick it up it is better to get sooner rather than later, especially since these sets shoot up in price post retirement.

Packaging, instructions and stickers

With the box being the first entry point to this set it effectively captures the key elements. From the shape and color to the figures included. To coincide with the new season of the Ninjago Dragons Rising tv show we also see this name on the front of the box, highlighting the link to the animated show. As this is not an adult set, LEGO uses the conventional colorful palette with red being the dominant color. When you turn the box around you can see all the details and included play features better, providing a captivating lure to help you justify the purchase of the set.

The box effectively captures all the colors of this set. (Photo: The LEGO Group)

This set is split across a whopping 51 bags, a few of which I think could have been combined. All these bags span across 3 sets of instructions, each building up a different part of the set before combining them together. Unlike previous Ninjago City sets the instructions jump straight into the build, not including any pages of detailing or fun facts about the set. An interesting shift away from the previous sets.

Three sets of instructions make up this set.

While this set contains a large number of new prints it also comes with a whopping 3 sticker sheets that capture some references to other Ninjago sets and pays homage to historic LEGO sets. While it can be easy to critize stickers, I think its utilization in this set is done effectively with all stickers capturing details that could not be achieved through brick built detailing. A criticism of stickers often heard is also that it is done to hide laziness in design, something I do not see being an issue here. Given the price point of this set I think the use of stickers rather than printed parts is forgivable, especially given that the majority of these stickers would likely never be used in other sets.

Three detail packed sticker sheets capture a variety of iconic LEGO moments.

Build Process

The build is split over three sets of instructions, with each section building up a half of the building before combining them together. Each half of the market has a very distinct style, taking advantage of very unique colors and techniques to capture the details. As this is a Ninjago City set, one of the usual stand outs are the diverse roof and awning detailing. This set follows this trend so we will pay particular attention to this detail.

Book 1

Bags 1+2

As we start the build we begin we see 141Earth GreenDark Green, 28Dark GreenGreen and 26Black dominate as we build out the various illusions of depth into the base. The darker the piece the deeper the water will be. The remainder of the build takes advantage of a lot of large structural pieces, many of which are Technic pieces which are held together by various sized pins. While System bricks are great for detailing, Technic always reigns supreme for rigidity and structure, something that is crucial at the base of such a large building.

Technic foundations add structure to the base of this set.

Bags 3+4

While the foundations we previously built were good for structure they were not fun to look at. This is very effectively hidden through use of various different sized plates in 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray. What makes the walkway fun is the diversity of pieces used. Whether it is a tile, plate or variant this set has it. Not only does this set use square or rectangular pieces but utilizes wedges and slopes to create less uniform shapes. My favorite of these shapes used is 4×4 Plate w/ Ø6 3×3 ¼-Circle Cutout (part 35044). The details captured alone are not exclusive to the walkway. My favorite part of Ninjago City sets is the water and this set continues that beauty. The colored plates in various colors to portray depth are now covered with 42Transparent Light BlueTrans-Light Blue to help accentuate the water depths in the space. The further away you get from the walkway the darker and deeper it gets.

The illusion of depth with water is one of the standout elements of the Ninjago City sets.

Bags 5

The first structure that is built in the market is the exterior of the bakery. While the structure shape is familiar the colors are eye catching. While the designers could have utilized just bricks or masonary bricks for texture they instead using part 4216 Brick, Modified 1 x 2 with Groove to give added depth. Not only does this depth add detailing but so do the harmonious blend of colors with 1089Warm TanMedium Tan and 192Reddish Brown complementing each other beautifully. Different depths and colors always make a structure more eye catching than if it were uniform.

While other Ninjago city structures are cramped, this one utilizes space effectively.

Effective utilization of stickers can go a long way and this massive mural is an example of this. While so simple the detailing blends seamlessly into the building adding a beautiful accent. The first unique roof technique is utilized here for the canopy over the window. To get the smooth curves the designers used half of the new LEGO book mold. This is effective as not only does it allow for interesting shape usage but utilizes upside down construction connected via clips and the exposed stud inside the book. A technique I am sure many of us will get ideas from and bring into our own creations.

Between colors and stickers, a simple wall is brought to life with depth and detail.

Bags 6

Rather than building the structure as one piece the designers instead opted for a new technique where the interior details are built on a seperate plate and slides into the base and rests atop plates. While unorthodox at first, at the end of the build you can see its utilization to full effect to make it more modular. Now instead of removing the levels stacked above to see the interior you can slide out the room. This was especially useful when I wanted to populate the scene with minifigures post construction. While this uses more pieces it is a fun detailing technique that I am sure we will see again.

The interior slides into the already built exterior making it modular.

In the bakery itself a ton of great details are included. The brick built oven and rolling pin being my favorites. To get the effective arched opening effect studs on side construction is utilized, giving a flat texture that is slightly sticking out for depth. No matter how many ways LEGO designs stairs they always find a new way to build it. Here rather than using bricks which are 3 plates tall they utilize part 69066 Container, Box 1 x 3 x 2/3 – Top Opening which is only 2 plates tall to ensure that the steps are not unnaturally tall. While they could have just stacked two plates this part’s usage also comes with the added side detailing as the containers are slightly recessed adding additional detailing against the flat wall beside it.

The rolling pin is a simple yet detailed brick built element in the bakery.

The colors in this build are very earthy and pastel but gets contrasted by the awning and flower box. The dark 26Black awning once again uses a distinct building technique, although this is one we have seen in many builds before. The 28Dark GreenGreen and 322Bright PurpleDark Pink colors add a brightness that contrasts against the rest of the building which immediately allows it to stand out. The upside down technique is something we have seen countless times before but as we can see here, it is effective in bringing a little variance to the space.

The simple room is packed to the brim with brick built details.

Bags 7+8

While the first floor of the market houses the shops the second floor has the living quarters. This being very reminiscent of the shophouses I saw while living in Southeast Asia. This effective design allowed for effective utilization of both commercial and residential space iwthin a building. The structure itself utilizes the same shell technique we saw on the first level where the exterior is built first and the interior slides in. As a result the interior is rather bland here. What is not bland however is the exterior. The use of various brick types, whether it be plain flat bricks, or masonary bricks or wooden bricks, each add different shapes to the room. Rather than copying the color scheme of the level below we instead see a base of 1White this time with 192Reddish Brown serving as the accent. While color and bricks themselves add detail the extra depth is accomplished through use of arches for a varied shape (also allowing for a larger space to be built above) and studs on side construction to allow for 192Reddish Brown tiles to be atteched adding a extra depth. This design style closely mirroring that of the Germany Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered) look which builds a rustic apperance.

The same slide in technique shell is built up on the second level.

Added mostly for structural purposes, the pillar built on the side is brimming with details. Through use of Technic pieces the underside of roller coaster track pieces are used as detailing. I always love it when designers use parts in unconventional ways. As the track piece has a lot of empty space that allows for detailing to sit within. A number of builds using very simple pieces in 297Warm GoldPearl Gold serve either as copper piping or ornamental detailing. Super simple yet captivating. This is a far evolution from the days of plain untextured pillar column pieces we have seen in the past.

Roller coaster track pieces are utilized to build out great pillar detailing.

297Warm GoldPearl Gold ornamentation is an eye catching part of the exterior and stands out, especially through its use of a hot dog bun and hanging ring. The highlight to me is the utilization of studs on side construction and fence pieces to serve as window blinds. This layered technique is much more effective than traditional windows but also adds character and depth to the space. The wooden rafts of the blinds also feel very commonplace in the tradtional architecture style that this building is modeled after.

The golden ornamentation is regal, even if it does include a hot dog bun.

Bags 9

The exterior wall of the inlet piece piece mirrors the techniques used on the other wall with us seeing the same studs on side construction for the wooden beam and window. While repetition this beautiful technique built again helps me appreciate it more. Where we do get variety is with the window planter. This planter is built different to the previous ones we have built. I am sure the designers took it as a challenge to build the planter in as many different ways and colors as we do not see repetition.

The windows highlight creative piece usage through use of a fence piece.

The interior of the bedroom is simple. Given the small space available, it does not fit more than a bed, a dresser and a night stand. For how small of a space it covers the night stand is designed with lots of details. My favorite of which is the use of the jumper plate for a drawer handle. While the night stand is well built I am torn with the bed. While the bed’s frame is effectively and feels grand, the use of a sticker for the duvet feels lazy. I have always prefered the brick built beds and I think that would have looked nicer here.

While simple the bedroom is cozy.

Bags 10+11

The empty space that we previously had slowly gets utilized as our second structure is built. While the other structures are blocky in shape this instead adopts a 45 degree curved wall to add variety. Thenstructure itself is what adds the detail but it is the alleyway between the two that captures my interest the most. This slim space feels inviting and creates a path between the buildings. By ensuring that the two buildings are broken up we also get to see the side detailing better, something that a lot of modular buildings are unable to do. As the structure has a forge built in, the designers ensured that the chimney was built of a different robust material. This in turn allows for more opposing designs as the smooth 312Medium NougatMedium Dark Flesh and 192Reddish Brown contrast against the 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray built using masonary bricks.

While more crowded it still feels spacious.

Where the other buildings are closed off, this one is very open. The use of structural pillars help provide the support that would otherwise be done through a wall of bricks. The open view of the water helps create an airy feel to the space. While the pieces and techniques are not groundbreaking it is great to see how just the removal of a wall can add variety. More details will be covered later but it is interesting to see how many different pieces are used for the smooth layer between the levels. Since most of this is hidden the designers could have just used simple tiles but instead opted for a large variety of pieces giving you options should you tear this down for parts.

Even though open the space feel private.

The interior of the smithy is packed with details but my favorite has to be the anvil. This tiny and simple build adds so much and with its effective use of such a small number of pieces we can immediately recognize the build.

A brick built anvil is the centrepiece of the blacksmith’s smithy.

Bags 12+13

Unlike the first second level room we built this one does not slide in and is built as a single structure. While not a detractor it is interesting to note the deviation in designs within the set. For the fourth time in this build we yet again see a different color used for the walls of the building, this time using a uncommon 226Cool YellowBright Light Yellow color. At the front sits a balcony with a very detailed railing adorned with the details advertising the smithy below. We again see that this building is a shophouse with the living quarters being on the second floor giving ample space for the characters that inhabit the market.

The covered alley while gloomy stands out to me.

On the back of the structure we see yet another new window technique that utilizes a fence piece. This time rather than being square we build a circular window with a curved fence built vertically on either side. Circular shapes always stand out due to the blocky nature of LEGO bricks so whenever it is used to break up shapes it stands out. Another standout detail is the different planter we see outside the window. Once again the designers have opted for a different shape and design. In the picture below you can see how different the three on the back wall are, highlighting the level of creativity that can be applied to build the same thing.

Each flower box we have built so far is unique.

The interior of the room is cramped but packed with details. This time instead of using a sticker we have a brick built bed, which although simple feels more like a LEGO build to me. What stands out of the interior detailing however is the smart use of pieces to build a desk, a bookshelf and the grandfather clock on the wall. With just a few pieces laid in a variety of combinations the designers were able to build a lot of imaginary space into the scene. We will have to suspend disbelief as the drawers extend into the wall or that the tabletop can rest on a drawer handle. Something that had to be done given the limited space available.

The use of jumper tiles makes for perfect drawer handles.

Bags 14+15

Although the lower level included both commercial and residential spaces the top level builds up a cable car station. The majority of this build is done with technic to allow for a variety of motion features, these including a opening walkway, an elevator, a wheelchair accessible platform and the cable car’s mechanisms itself. While the technic construction is detailed the system construction is rather basic. The majority of the system pieces are used to build the walkway that is common with all Ninjago City sets, with this one being able to be connected to those of other sets. The detailing to this level comes later.

Lots of technic is used to build the foundations for the cable car mechanism.

On the side of the walkway is a very small dial that can be turned to raise or lower the wheelchair accessible platform. The inclusion of this may be an afterthought to many but shows the care that LEGO has to highlight the importance of accessible architecture. Unfortunately the build itself is a little finnicky.

The wheelchair accessible platform can be moved with a dial.

Bags 16+17

With the technic out of the way the structural detailing becomes the focus. Using eye catching colors including 312Medium NougatMedium Dark Flesh and a variety of different shapes and building techniques the space looks elegant yet industrial. Once again the designers move away from simplicity by using exposed studs on the side to add detailing to the walls, with studs on side building to once again allow for protrusion. Along the back wall we see the use of a number of different shaped curves to add flourish to the wall. Something that when placed besides the spiral stairs continues this flowing pattern. While small touches, the use of anti-studs as detailing through upside down building adds a new shape we don’t see elsewhere in the set. As this floor has a lot of technic play mechanisms the designers were creative to leverage stickers or brick built elements to hide the levers, buttons or dials. In some play sets they are made very obvious using colors such as 21Bright RedRed to highlight play features but in this set they blend in.

Vertical construction adds great panel detailing.

While the designers could have built simple steps I appreciate the design decision made to instead create a curved 90 degree set of stairs. The 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray sitting atop the 26Black are very strong contrasting colors which help make the stairs pop. An advantage of the spiral stairs is also the minimal space it takes up, filling only a 4×4 space, something that would not be possible with any other stair techniques. Sometimes limitations bring out creativity. The only downside of these steps is that there is no room for figures to stand on it due to the very narrow steps.

Beautiful spiraled steps make effective use of space.

Signage on the railings is something we see in all Ninjago City sets, with this set being no different. While a lot of the stickered signs are Ninjago references it is always great to see LEGO include some Easter eggs. The standout poster for me here is the one advertising the now retired Mindstorms RCX 2.0 programmable controller. This blast to the past is a fun nostalgia reference for those who grew up with this ahead of its time machine. The signs included in this set is a great example of effective sticker usage. The details add a lot of flavor to the space and provide such niche references that we realistically could not see them as printed pieces, so instead of having nothing we have stickers that add a ton of value to the build.

The Mindstorms 2.0 signage is a great blast to the past.

As the cable car enters the station to dock the designers have decided to add a technic play mechanism that allows the walkway to raise giving space. This fun play feature adds something different and adds realism as the designers could have just positioned the train to be higher and run over the walkway, but this would be a safety hazard for the inhabitants so instead take influences from raising bridges to add a fun play feature to the set. Knocking out two birds with one stone.

The walkway can be raised to allow the cable car to dock at the platform.

Bags 18+19

As we move to the last bags of the first instruction we build the final touches to the cable car station. This open air station leverages a lot of traditional Japanese influences in its design, whether it be the Shoji or Pagoda roof. All the details are very carefully thought out to ensure for a unique feel. The technic mechanisms that are built into station are effectively hidden by technic as well to ensure that beauty of the space is not marred. While such a small detail I love how the designers once again created a unique build for the flower box. While they could have used the same build as they have elsewhere in the set this shows the attention to detail and desire to reduce repetition in the build. Something worth praising.

The second level feels more open compared to the bottom buildings.

A Technic and System built elevator runs along the side of the station. This elevator is not fully utilized until later but it is worth bringing up as builds into the very technic feel of the top floor. A variety of gears pull the platform up and down the tiled plate serving as the shaft mechanism. While a fun build it unfortunately is not wieldy, requiring a bit of work to move it up and down. You could however just grab the platform itself and force it up.

The elevator at the side can be manually moved to bring minifigures to the different levels of the space.

The shoji built out of a 1White window pane against the 308Dark Brown frame is a beautiful addition. In Japanese architecture a shoji is traditionally used as a door, window or room divider and consists of paper panel made from washi, a translucent, wind-resistent paper woven from kōzo, gampi, mitsumata, or hemp fiber on a lattice frame often made of bamboo or confiderous softwood. This simple parts usage topped by a Pagoda Plate piece pays homage to the cultural influences of Japanese culture and architecture on the Ninjago line of sets.

White window pieces help create a beautiful shoji.

Book 2

Bags 20+21

As we start the second book we build on the second base plate and build foundations that support the second half of the markets. Like with the first half we see the same water depth technique and technic pieces being used for both detailing and structure respectively. This time however we see a change in colors used for the brick built structuring as the designers use 322Medium AzurMedium Azure, 226Cool YellowBright Light Yellow and 325Lavender bricks. These bricks unfortunately get hidden the moment we build up the floor. In previous interviews with designers they have often mentioned that they like using bricks in uncommon colors even when hidden as that way should you wish to break the set down you add more variety to your collection, a decision that I think the designers made here with these colors.

Fun colors that unfortunately get hidden are built into the foundation.

Bags 22

No matter how many times I build the layered water that makes up the base of the Ninjago City sets I never get bored of it. This beautiful technique adds so much depth to the set and is a technique I have used for my own builds as well. While not a detractor it would have been neat to see the designers build small foam bubbles as they have done with waterfall sets for areas where the water clashes with the side of the walkway, although given the tranquil feeling of the space this rapid flowing water could look out of place.

Water is my favorite thing to build.

Bags 23

With the structural foundations in place it is time to cover it up. The beautiful colors we laid earlier are now hidden by similar 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray plate techniques we saw in the first half with various shapes, textures and curves lining the surface of the scene.

Plates are quintessential foundation pieces.

While a lot of this section lays the groundwork for the rest of the scene the table moves away from simplicity. Built entirely upside down the designers meticulously make use of a variety of clip and bars to allow for upside down connections that would not be possible with studs alone. The anti-stud in 1×1 bricks are brilliantly used as cups. So simple but genius!

The whole table is built upside down.

Bags 24

When building up this bag the first thing that pops out at you is the inclusion of two of the massive 7×16 Frame, A-Shape w/ Bars (Part 79768) 192Reddish Brown. In this section we start to build more of the detailing that will support the structures we build atop. The girder piece is the highlight with its grand scale and colors clashing against the rest of the build making it immediately noticeable. Unfortunately this piece gets hidden as we build up more of the set which is a shame. Where the girder reigns in size the Plate, Modified 1 x 6 with Train Wagon End part part in a 140Earth BlueDark Blue is the highlight of this section. This piece has stood the test of time having first been used in 2024 and now 30 years later still being in production. The warmth of the colors combined with the nostalgia of the use of this part in one of my earliest sets, 2002’s LEGO Star Wars 7201, Final Duel II meant this piece held a place in my heart.

The girder piece is such a large single piece.

Detailing is the spark that makes a good set great, but great part usage elevates it to bebone of a kind. The use of sausage and horn pieces to create the handrails is something we have seen before but highlights the creativity that makes LEGO sets what it is. Any piece out there with enough thought can be used in alternate ways to do wonders. While a part that has been used a lot recently it surprised me to learn that this part was actually introduced in 1998 as part of the Scala wave of LEGO sets.

Sausage pieces are so underrated.

Bags 25+26

We continue the trend of building with new colors, this time having the base color of the walls being the rather uncommon 323AquaLight Aqua. We see the same 192Reddish Brown that we saw in the other buildings serve as the complimentary color to accent against the base color. The use of masonary bricks in 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray also serve as accents on the exposed wall breaking up the rigidity a little bit. The interior of the room is stocked with details, whether it be brick built, printed or stickers to capture the homely feel of the space. On the exterior we see some great details too, most notably the mailbox. Through the use of a Minecraft animal head piece and inlaying it into the wall we get a small exposed space big enough to fit a 1×2 tile in it. Unfortunately the piece is not a snug fit so falls out easily. So many creative uses of pieces are on display in this set and I am blown away each time I see a new use of a piece.

Angles make any structure better.

Before 2024 goats were so rare that this coveted item fetched a hefty price in the after market. The designers brilliantly played on this with the missing goat sign. While the text looks like gibberish they actually spell out MISSING in the Ninjago alphabet, a very minor but fun detail. Given that the Series 25 Collectibe Minifigures were likely in the design phase at the time of this set’s design it is a wonder whether this sign was foreshadowing the return of the goat in that series. This goat is so in demand that the rerelease fetches a rather pricy price tag for a new in production part.

Did this missing goat sign foreshadow the return of the goat in 2024?

While I feel the average size of LEGO pieces in a set has shrunk over the years that is not always a bad thing. While in the past we saw majority of detailing through stickers or printed pieces it is always a treat to brick build detailing. In this shelf a plethora of different shapes, colors and sizes in 1×1 parts are used to stock the shelves in the store. These brick built details give much more character than any one dimensional detailing that stickers or prints can provide. While I do commend the physicality of this it is a shame that we saw repetition in items. Understandably a store would have more than one copy of each item in stock but I wish LEGO had taken advantage of this and added even more variety. This is not a big enough issue to detract but would have only served to accent the set more were it done.

1×1 pieces make for great detailing.

Bags 27+28

On the second floor we build a living space. When it comes to the shape and color it closely mirrors that of the level below but only smaller. While all the other buildings have used varied colors this is the first time we see a repetition with the same use of 323AquaLight Aqua as the base color that we did on the level below. The interior is far from similar with a huge variety of detail builds being included. My favorite of which being the brick built beds that even utilize stickers to add detailing. So far in this set we have seen a brick built bed and a stickered bed, but this time we see both techniques used to capture the best of both worlds. The room itself is jam packed with so many additional details, both brick built and stickered that gives it a full finish, unfortunately a lot of which you cannot see once the door is closed and the next level built atop.

The second level houses a small living space.

More Chinese influences are seen with the rounded roof tiles we see in yet another new roof build. Through use of 26Black candle pieces side by side traditional Chinese tiles called Pan and Tuo tiles are emulated. This technique is not only creative but plays on accurate real life techniques emphasizing the cultural influence on the set’s themes.

Rounded roof tiles gives a new texture we have not seen before.

We again continue the trend in this set with a new window planter, this time constructing everything upside down. While this upside construction is not necessary as the construction could have been done the right way up it adds a bit of fun to the build. Sitting along the sides of the window are beautiful 141Earth GreenDark Green shutters. All the earth colors are my favorite as they feel inviting and warm, enhancing the build. The shutters themselves are rather basic, being built using studs on side construction, but are still a nice addition. Unfortunately, the shutters cannot actually be closed and serve mostly as cosmetic accent pieces.

The shutters are merely cosmetic and do not close.

Bags 29+30

Serving as a canopy over the walkway we build a 21Bright RedRed pillars and a beautiful sloped roof. This color palette and design is commonly found in chinese architecture and are used as gateway structures. This arch known as a Paifang serves as a memorial structure and has become an iconic symbol of China. While the pillars themselves are created through use of rounded bricks the standout for me is the roof. Once again we see a new roof technique used here, this time through the use of various doors sloped to create an angled roof. Through the use of exposed studs on the surface of the door the designers were able to add tile detailing which adds additional surface layering.

Iconic red arches are iconic in Japanese architecture.

While I have sung praises in this review over sticker usage to add detailing I will call out situations where I think it should have been a printed piece. The stickered decorative plate that serves as the welcoming signage for this set could have been a great utilization of a printed piece. In past Ninjago City sets we saw commemorative signage pieces in 297Warm GoldPearl Gold that could be used as stand alone tiles all be printed so I was hoping this was the same. While I painstakingly attached the sticker as central as possible it is worth pointing out that even with tools getting spherical stickers right can be a pain.

Printed vs stickered pieces is always a discussion to be had.

Bags 31

While a small bag in terms of pieces this has some of the biggest impact given that it joins the two halves together. The techniques used here mostly mirror those that we see at the base of each half, focusing on both water and walkway detailing, with nothing being unique here. The structure itself is the largest of those not only in piece count but also size being 32×64 studs large. This size makes this a very tricky set to move as it is large but also heavy.

This is huge when the two halves are connected.

Where we do see variety comes in the construction of the vegetable stand and boat. For the stand we again see fun parts usage for the roof through use of a rectangular square shield piece that is most notably used as a shield for Roman soldiers. This shield is a very rare part existing only in three sets with this being the only non printed version, thus making it a very pricy piece to pick up. This is such a desirable piece that post building I am tempted to repurpose this part for use in my minifigures. Where the shield stands out for its beautiful mold the vegetables and fruits stand out for their creativity. Fruits and vegetables such as chillis, tomatoes, beans and more fill the boxes both on the boat and the stand. The boat that sells vegetables look like they have gained influence from the floating markets that can be found in Thailand, again highlighting the Asian influences in the Ninjago line of sets.

Different vegetables are built creatively.

Bags 32

While such a tiny inclusion the detailing achieved through the horizontal 21Bright RedRed girder pieces is genius. The use of this piece very accurately embodies the industrial piping we see in cities giving the space a more urban feel. The added bonus of this piece is that it introduces the ability to utilize a bar and clip connection piece to hang things from the piping, something the designers utilize with the hanging lanterns. While in the previous sentence I comment the urban look of the space I will now say the opposite when commending how the the use of reclaimed vegetation on the large 192Reddish Brown girders creates a more natural feel to the space. Both these contrasting experiences highlight how many varied moods can be captured in such a small space and emphasizing how a little bit of everything done effectively adds even more detail.

Girder pieces serve as great pieces to hang details from.

While LEGO construction often obeys 90 degree angled design by the nature of it being blocks it is always great when we see creative use of angles. A Ninjago City set is not complete without posters on display and this set continues that trend, this time wedging the poster at at angle being held in place by two spotlights at the top. The construction when put together is a little finnicky as the stickered window piece is not actually held together by any connections and takes advantage of gravity. Everything from the simple spotlight construction to the beautifully designed sticker are well done.

Every Ninjago City set seems to have movie posters in it somewhere.

Bags 33

The final crowning build of the second instruction manual is the beautifully ornate bridge. While at the surface level it may look straight forward a variety of unique techniques are used to get the various heights and shapes that capture the bridge. We will start with the tiles. To ensure that the steps are one tile height different and able to support the studs on side construction used for the bridge detailing the designers used a layered step technique that has support elements run through the centre to ensure it is not flimsy. At the sides we have protruding bars that the various detail elements attach to. The bridge detailing in 21Bright RedRed is the Centerpiece of the market’s walkway, not only due to its color but also its shapes. A variety of horn and shield elements are used to capture the ornamental detail while a technic rod piece is carefully curved into place for the handrail. While the part is flexible I question if there is any stress applied that could damage the part long term. Only time will tell. While simplicity reigns supreme, sometimes you need a little bit of ornamental detail to allow for a contrasting and eye catching sub build. Something this bridge beautifully does.

From color to shapes, the bridge pops out at you.

Book 3

Bags 34+35

Running along the entirety of the set is the cable car and we finally put it together, allowing the main play feature of the set to come to life. The rail is built using traditional tiled system pieces, utilizing overlapping layers to ensure for a sturdy construction. The cable car rests on this and is held in place by a front back back tile, allowing it to slide down as it is lowered through use of gravity. In the station we built earlier there is a hook piece that we conect to an exposed connection of the cable car to hold it in place. The string mechanism we built earlier now gets used to lower and raise the cable car smoothly. I recommend not forcing the cable car with your hands as this can damage the piece, instead utilizing the dials we build earlier.

The cable car docks into the station seamlessly.

The cable car being the centerpiece of the entire set needs a color that allows it to stand out and the bright yet warm 191Flame Yellowish OrangeBright Light Orange does this perfectly. The cable car itself is build very sturdily using studs on side construction to allow for the various curved elements to round off the space. While this technique allows for a very aesthetically appeasing end product through the curves complementing the warm color it does come with a side effect of taking up a lot of space. As a result it can be very tricky to fit even two minifigures in this space. Given the space is tight and you want to be able to add and remove minifigures easily the designers use a rod and clip connection to allow you to easily lower the door, ensuring you can add a single minifigure in the four stud wide space without needing to disassemble the car.

The cable car is built very compactly.

Creative use of pieces to create trees is always something I appreciate and the cherry blossom tree sitting atop the station does this beautifully. Utilizing mostly technic construction a variety of slopes, arches and wedges, accomplish a bowed stem that closely resembles a scaled down version of LEGO’s 10281 Bonsai Tree set. The roots and branches are build using animal tusk and horn elements giving the weaving curved shape that these real life elements have.The leaves themselves are unfortunately a little finnicky to instead with a lot of elements overlapping making it difficult to orient to give it a natural look. The instruction manual shows this build from a unnatural angle so it can be tough to see what angles are recommended. Once put together this tree is majestic, carefully utilizing a large number of different pieces to build something that would stand out as a stand alone build.

The cherry blossom tree closely resembles the LEGO bonsai tree set.

Bags 36+37+38+39

With the cable car out of the way it is time to resume the construction of the second level walkway. Spanning across a number of different bags we continue the walkway we built in the first instruction manual and continue it around the entire level, paying particular attention to ensure that a lattice foundation is built to house the buildings we build up on the right. While the entire walkway could have been a flat surface that utilized the same techniques we saw on the ground floor the designers added a bit of variety by building a small raised bridge. A detail that is not needed but adds something different. With the walkway in place, even though there is still more left to build oyu can start to get a real sense of scale and completeness of the build.

The raised walkway connects seamlessly to other Ninjago City sets.

While the walkway itself is uniform in color, primarily utilizing 194Medium Stone GreyLight Bluish Gray we get character from all the details included. The first thing we see is the 21Bright RedRed Torii that sits in the center of the walkway. A Torii gate is a traditional Japanese structure that can often be found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred. This is not something symbolized in this set as it serves as a decorative piece. This gate is immediately recognizable and is built with utmost attention to detail. While minute details the inclusion of a printed city map and upside down construction for plant pots are a nice touch and add simple beauty to the walkway. Where the Torii emphasizes traditionalism the 311Transparent Bright GreenTrans-Bright Green garage door pieces used as railings stand for modernity. This piece in the bright colors is creative utilization of a very versatile piece that is normally used for garage doors. We see this same piece used in vibrant colors in #42639 Andrea’s Modern Mansion and I love to see it being used. When LEGO first designed this piece in 1981 I doubt they expected it to still be in use in such creative ways four decades later.

Modern and traditional clash on the walkway.

Bags 40+41

Only one word can describe the entryway. Captivating. The Borg store itself is small and tucked into the corner and is built mostly using window pieces giving it a bright airy feel. While the sterile 1White and 40Transparent Trans-Clear colors dominate the space they themselves are not that interesting. What stands out is the entry way. The use of 119Bright Yellowish GreenLime and 107Bright Bluish GreenDark Turquoise / Teal pop at you. This space is a perfect example of how side construction can add depth and detail that could not ever be accomplished through traditional brick construction. Two 80567 Vehicle, Mudguard 10 x 4 x 2/3 with Horizontal Arch Curved parts in 119Bright Yellowish GreenLime serve as the main detail piece with a variety of smaller detailing through curved pieces rounding off the space. What makes this even more inviting is that the door sits at a 45 degree angle, something we see in a handful of Ninjago City buildings but is always more interesting than a flat installation.

The entryway is captivating!

The interior is rather empty, an unfortunate biproduct of the building being very small. Despite this there is a small nook in the corner that displays the products on sale. The mobile phone boxes are simply built with the detailing being stickers. While the boxes are simple the creative use of a 1×1 Round Plate w/ 45° Bar, Bottom (Part 65578), also known as a Superhero action piece allows them to be displayed at an angle. Everything from the color palette to the way the items are displayed remind me of the aesthetic of Apple stores.

The shelf displays look like the ones you would find at an Apple store.

Bags 42

The same exterior building techniques are used for the second floor of the Borg store. The second level is accessible through an elevator at the back and is oddly open to all with there being no door. The interior details consist of a simple desk with a stickered book cover in 42Transparent Light BlueTrans-Light Blue serving as a futuristic monitor. On the desk sits a desk lamp which utilizes the sausage piece to create the common curve you can find on desk lamps.

Stacked the colors are accentuated even more.

Bags 43

Continuing the same color scheme and over emphasis on curvature we build the roof to the Borg store. This roof has all the hallmark telecommunication elements whether it be a radar dish or an antenna. The same studs on side construction and use of curved sloped or arches are used to create a layered roof texture. While other roofs in this set are built using traditional tile patterns using a number of different techniques this roof embraces modernity by being very smooth. This combined with the accentuating colors work beautifully.

The roof serves as crown to the building.

It is a shame that the brick built girder is tucked in at the back. The shape of the angled beams and creative build techniques make this closely resemble 64448 Support 1 x 6 x 5 Girder Rectangular. The biggest difference being that this piece is 6 studs wide and does not exist in the 21Bright RedRed color we see here. I credit designers when they opt for brick built designs that comprise of many different pieces rather than go down the easy route and use one large piece. While large pieces are nice for structure they can often juniorize builds and lose out on details you can accomplish and see here.

Brick built girders add a fun construction detail.

Bags 44+45+46

The karaoke bar is so vibrant and modern, and I love it for this. 268Medium LilacDark Purple is not a color commponly used in mass so getting a large number of pieces in this color is great. What makes this color even better is how well it pairs with the that is used for all the glass elements. While just these standard pieces provide great detailing, especially when accented by the thin and sparse use of 107Bright Bluish GreenDark Turquoise / Teal the designers went even further, utilizing large stickers to create a neon signage around the structure. Although very tiny I love how the designers used the transparency and hollow space in 1×2×5 Brick (Part 2454) to their advantage, inserting tiled pieces as detailing. This gives the entry way a feel that reminds me of the shapes and colors you would see in a lava lamp. Maybe it is the modernity of it all but between the shapes, colors, details and abstract nature of the building, the karaoke bar may be my favorite building of this set.

Glass panels in different colors is always welcome.

Tucked in the back is a box adorned with a variety of objects. The inclusion of a flower, candle and action figure almost makes this look like a shrine. While I am not well versed in Ninjago lore the colors reminded me of Jay’s color scheme. His exclusion in this set and the current season seems to reinforce this being a small memorial to the character. Along the side of the building we also see a huge sticker serving as a action packed poster similar to those you can find in a busy city. On a warmer and inviting note we see a very simple staircase handrail built using a number of different barred parts in 297Warm GoldPearl Gold. Although simple the utilization of bars and clips allow for a structurally sound, thin and modern handrail for the stairs that extends into the handrail of the walkway. Always a fan of fun parts usage.

The ornate handrail is so simple yet elegant.

Whether it be a pool table or a jukebox or the karaoke stand itself. Tiny objects litter this divey looking bar. I have built three pool tables now across various sets and it is always interesting to see how different they each are. Unfortunately this one is the weakest of the three. That however does not make this scene weaker as all the details put together make this a bar that I could see myself wanting to visit. Due to the limited space everything is packed together compactly but the designers made sure to ensure that there is adequate walking space for patrons.

The inside is packed with brick built details.

Bags 47+48+49

After four sets we finally see a toilet in the Ninjago City sets. While I understand that having a toilet or kitchen in every living space is unrealistic given space constraints it is funny to imagine that every character would need to travel here to go to the bathroom. The bathroom itself is compactly built and is built using layered 24Bright YellowYellow and 191Flame Yellowish OrangeBright Light Orange bricks, utilizing a variety of greebling to add exterior details. The simple construction and rigidity of it gives it a very industrial feel, putting it slightly above a portable toilet. We see another poster of a Ninjago Mech hanging off the side in neon colors giving a very cyber look to the space. As we have a lot of posters from other sets you can replace the glass panels with any other posters that you desire.

The roof deck has a toilet tucked in the corner.

Probably the highlight of this half is the detailing inside the bathroom. Although the space is very small soo many details are included, and are tightly packed in. Part of the reason for the limited space is due to the inclusion of a flushing mechanism for the toilet. The toilet can actually flush and dispense a round 1×1 tile at the base of the struture. Although grim this is a fun little detail. It is a shame however that we will likely not touch this much as it is tucked in and difficult to access. Mechanism aside, the designers in my opinion here have built the best looking toilet I have seen in LEGO form, utilzing some creative parts.

The toilet actually works!

Bags 50+51

Sitting at the top and serving as the final build of the set we put together a small sushi store. The space is very small but contains everything the store needs, from a space to cook to a shuttered window that opens up creating a canopy for customers. While we see a lot of different roof techniques we see a repeated Pagoda roof technique used for this structure, something that fits the small structure well. Let’s talk about the use of roller coaster track pieces. This is not the first time we have seen this piece used as a curved banner but boy does it satisfy everytime I see it. In 119Bright Yellowish GreenLime the track creates a rainbow shape that closes out the space beautifully. 21Bright RedRed signage spelling out SUSHIMIS in the the Ninjago alphabet are attached to the rods of the track adding beautiful advertisement that adds a beautiful finish.

Rollercoaster track pieces are so versatile for signage detail!

While so simple I could sing praises for this small octopus build over and over again. While it does only have two arms rather than 8 this creature is recognizable and has a playful charm to it. Past Ninjago City sets have included animals such as a pig, puffer fish and even a squid but the Octopus is my favorite. Not only is the build fun to put together but the inclusion of it holding a frying pan and chopsticks captures the animatronic advertisement icon that it aims to achieve.

The octopus is my favorite rooftop animal build of the series.

Minifigures

This set comes with a whopping 21 minifigures, including both new and familiar characters. While not including all of the Ninjas, some iconic included characters include Lloyd, Nya, Zane and Kai. The main characters include a mix of Ninja suit and civilian versions. Should you wish Ninja suit versions of each then some other sets need to be picked up. The figures contain detailed front and back printing with reversible heads for the characters. All characters included come with some great accessories to accentuate the detailing. At the time of writing this, 18 of the included minifigures are exclusive to this set. The Miss Demeanor minifigure has to be my favorite figure in the whole set, with some amazing printing and accessories!

The set includes many familiar faces!

Alongside recognizable characters the set includes a large number of civilians that occupy the shops. These figures are all unique to this set including some very unique printing for the vendors. As we will see with the next bath of figures, LEGO has gone all out to focus on inclusivity with the boat vendor having a hearing aid. A very small but great detail! While none of these figures come with leg printing they all come with front and back torso printing with almost all including alternate faces. The torso for the tea vendor is amongst my favorite in the set, with this torso being exclusive to this set, fetching nearly $2 on bricklink at the time of writing this.

A wide plethora of generic characters populate the city.

In our final batch of figures two things stood out to me immediately, firstly the inclusion of a wheelchair for the Cyrus Borg and the Bionicle torso. While I have not watched the shows this set also includes a fan favorite Hounddog McBrag minifigure, with his amazing handlebar moustache and aviator glasses. The wheelchair piece is such a great inclusion and with this being the first I have gotten ahold of it is amazing to see the detail that went into the mould for this piece. Something we would not have seen many years ago. While the inclusion of the Bionicle torso and the trophy in 154Dark Red which I can only assume is Tahu may be so niche it pays great homage to what was a standout line in the early 2000s. Something that brings back a lot of nostalgia to my early days of building LEGO action figures. While a lot of figures miss out on leg printing both the Racer Seven and Charmille figure contain some great leg printing, both in 135Sand Blue and 324Medium Lavender respectively. Two beautiful colors with beautiful prints.

A strong diversity of figures ensure that is something for everyone.

Value

Just from the build, the number of figures and the weight it is very easy to see that when it comes to value this set sits near the top. Despite being a good value this set does see a 23% price increase over the last#71741 Ninjago City Gardens set which puts it below this. Of the comparable sets this is largest in scale spanning two base plates, making it a large iconic piece in your collection. Where the dimensions are large however it is important to call out that this number can be deceptive as this set uses a large amount of empty space to expand the set. This is not a negative as it allows you to feel like you are getting more but moves away from the densely packed sets that were the other Ninjago City sets. While piece count is large it is worth pointing out that LEGO does not stat pad this with small pieces, with many very large pieces used in this set pushing the price per gram to $0.078. From a value perspective it is hard to argue that while this is a pricy set you get a lot for your money.

To compare this set and its metrics to other sets you can refer to the table below.

Conclusion

Sets in the Ninjago City are some of the best LEGO sets ever produced and #71799 Ninjago City Markets is no different. Not only is this set a beautiful piece to look at but it is also filled with very diverse building experiences, ensuring that there is never a dull moment when building the set.

Packed with details and motion, this set has it all.

Although I find it slightly weaker than the original Ninjago City set, it still captures a lot of the things that made the original great. The details of this set are only accentuated further when you put them next to the others in the line.

You can easily see how all of the Ninjago City sets connect when put together.

Even coming in with high expectatations, this set is excellent. It offers a strong minifigure selection, varied building techniques, vibrant colors, interesing parts, and even substantial value. For these reasons, #71799 Ninjago City Markets earns a coveted Must Have (5/5 stars) rating. We are in a golden age of LEGO — despite rising prices, we continue to see beautifully developed sets hitting the shelves, so we may as well enjoy them!