Lego Shanghai Skyline and Cargo Ship

Lego architecture Shanghai skyline with a cargo ship and the radio tower

Lego cargo ship and bridge with buildings from the Shanghai Lego architecture set

I love the LEGO® Architecture Shanghai set – but I always felt like it was missing the cargo ships and bridges that connect the city. So I decided to pull out my favorite buildings like the Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower and add in a cargo ship and modern bridge.

The Lego Shanghai Skyline build modification

First I built the buildings from the LEGO® Shanghai Set that I wanted to feature then using dark blue-gray slopes I modeled out the two sides of the Huangpu River. Using the pieces I had and some reference photos I designed and built a stylized bridge.

For the cargo ship I based it on Tiagos mini-vehicles video – check out his YouTube channel for great tips! I modified it adding in a little irregularity in the container stack, a new crane, a straight sloped back and of-course some smoke.

Overhead view of the Lego Architecture Shanghai skyline modifiaction

The LEgo landscape and finishing touches

A good micro-moc is not complete without adding in small details like parks, public spaces and landscaping. For the Shanghai Skyline LEGO® moc modification I added in little pathways, temples, statues, bushes and trees. The combination of the brightly colored cargo containers, blue water and green landscaping really brings this LEGO® moc to life.

Tiny Lego Wonders Book and Lego Micro-cities Book

Recommended books for LEGO® micro-cities

I love micro-cities because you do not need a lot of LEGO® to create an impressive moc. These are great resource books for micro and midi scale builds.

Lego Micro Cities Book
Tiny Lego Wonders Book (for midi-scale)

The links above are Amazon Affiliate links – Mad Mocs receives a small commission which helps us to continue bringing you great LEGO® content.

Build what you love

Sometimes it’s not necessary to build a 100% original LEGO® architecture moc. Using parts of a build and then modifying it can be a great way to learn new build techniques. Most importantly it allows you enjoy the building process and it gives you a head start.

lego architecture shanghai skyline with the radio tower, bridge and cargo ship

LEGO® Micro-Cities resource guide

Websites, books, links, LEGO® Sets and Pinterest Boards to help you find inspiration for your next Micro-Build. If you have additional resources please contact me so I can add them to the list.