CHAN Bonsai Tree Review ——A “Build-It-Yourself” Path to Inner Peace
Preface
“This hands-on review is NifeliZ’s collaborative experiment in authenticity: a diverse team—from office professionals and LEGO enthusiasts to musicians and photographers—built our own kits alongside fans to experience their joys, struggles, and “aha” moments firsthand. By sharing raw insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how we’ll improve, we aim to create products that truly resonate with builders while offering you practical guidance.
Whether avoiding pitfalls or enhancing your creative flow, this collective journey—fueled by varied perspectives but united in purpose—is designed to make every assembly smoother, every connection more meaningful, and every build a shared story of growth.”
Hello everyone, I’m Cecilia. Today I’m sharing a hands-on model kit that beautifully blends Eastern aesthetics with mindful craftsmanship—the CHAN Bonsai Tree.
It doesn’t rely on complex structures or bold colors to capture your attention. Instead, it conveys tranquility and natural beauty through its restrained, minimalist design. The building process is slow, but that’s part of the charm—each tiny piece you assemble gradually constructs not just a miniature landscape, but also a quiet, focused rhythm of peace and presence.
In those quiet moments of assembly, it felt less like I was building a model and more like I was crafting a small retreat for the soul. So if you’ve been yearning for a calming experience amid life’s fast pace, let’s explore together what this “zen-in-a-box” creation has to offer.
Ⅰ. Packaging & Contents
The box design embraces minimalism—muted grey and white tones make for a clean, elegant look that aligns with the bonsai’s theme of serenity and simplicity.
Inside the box:
● Bag #1 – 7 bags (Steps 1–81)
● Bag #2– 5 bags (Steps 81–224)
●Unnumbered Parts – 1 bag
●1 instruction manual
●1 storage box
●1 bookmark
Everything is neatly packed and ready to go. Let’s begin the build!
Ⅱ. Assembly Process
Part 1 comes in 7 small bags.
We begin with bags [1.8], assembling the base structure.
Then open bags [9.14] and continue reinforcing the base.
Next, bags [15.31] build the terrain foundation.
Important note for step 31: Avoid pressing the base on a hard surface directly. Instead, operate with the piece supported in your hand to prevent the base from popping apart unexpectedly.
Bags [32.43] build rocky formations.
Next, we open Bag [44.64] to enrich the landscape. The placement of unevenly scattered stones gives the terrain a natural sense of depth and variation.
Finally for Part 1, bags [65.81–1] and [65.81–2]
At step 71, insert parts at an angle, even though the manual shows a straight-on view.
Step 81 completes the assembly of the miniature rockery and pavilion models within the bonsai, adding overall depth and realism.
Now onto Part 2 — 8 small bags in total.
Open bags [82.104] to build the tree trunk.
The diagram for Step 115 is incorrect.
Bags [124.139] build branch structures.
The branches are wrapped with vines, adding a touch of realism.
Next, bags [140.152] to assemble leaves. This part requires extra care since the manual shows only outlines and the glossy pages make it hard to see exact spots.
Bags [153.168] continue adding leaves — the steps are quite similar.
Bags [169.184] add more leaves.
Bags [185.200] add two more leaf clusters.
Finally, bags [201.224] finish all the leaves.
Attach the tree onto the base.
Add small rocks and moss accents, and your little natural world is complete.
III. Overall Impressions
The pieces feel finely detailed, and the assembly process is generally smooth. The finished model looks clear and natural — perfect for a desk or windowsill to bring a sense of calm. The manual uses color coding well, making parts easier to identify.
However, the glossy paper causes glare under bright light, making some details — especially around the petals — tricky to see. The base is fragile; pressing too hard might cause it to break, so handle it gently. Also, petal directions aren’t marked with arrows, so you need to try a few fits, which adds some challenge.
If the manual used matte paper, added arrows and 3D angle guides for petals, and the base and fragile parts were a bit sturdier, the build would be much easier and more enjoyable.
Overall, this bonsai is moderately challenging and ideal for those who enjoy hands-on projects with simple, elegant design. Just pay attention to a few tricky spots, and you’ll end up with a peaceful, beautiful piece to brighten your space.
