Step through the doors of Cathay Pacific’s newly redesigned lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport, and the pace of travel instantly changes.
The noise of the terminal fades, replaced by warm wood, soft light, and the promise of a space designed for lingering rather than rushing.
This is Cathay’s latest flagship lounge, a refined sanctuary where design, dining, and art come together in the heart of the capital.
A House Within a House
“We literally built a house within a house,”
--Marcus Lui, Head of End-to-End Customer Experience and Strategy, Cathay Pacific
Inspired by Studioilse’s celebrated work on The Pier in Hong Kong, the lounge has been reshaped into a series of distinct rooms.
Some are bright and open, others private and cozy, giving the whole space the intimacy of a well-considered home.
Cherry wood, limestone, and brass details create warmth, while natural light streams in through carefully placed windows.
Even the furniture has been rethought: Beijing debuts the second generation of Cathay’s signature Solo Chairs, designed to balance privacy with comfort.
At the entrance, a new podium-style reception and attentive Lounge Ambassadors — the first outside Hong Kong — set the tone for a more personal welcome.
Dining with Local Flavor
Cathay lounges are famous for their food, and Beijing’s offerings reflect both global flavors and local pride.
The Noodle Bar is back with signature wonton and dan dan noodles, joined by Beijing favorites such as zhajiangmian and hearty da lu noodles.
Breakfast brings Northern comfort in the form of beef shaobing, hot soy milk, and fried dough sticks.
Next door, the Food Hall offers an array of international dishes, from seared fish and fresh salads to homemade breads and lemon cheesecake.
Across the lounge, the Teahouse makes its debut outside Hong Kong.
Here, Cathay tea specialists brew jasmine silver needle, pu’er, and phoenix oolong — teas chosen for their regional character and ritual quality.
“It’s about slowing down and enjoying a cup of tea before you board,” says Lui.
Art in Transit
Cathay has extended its Gallery in the Skies concept to Beijing. Curated by Dr. Henrietta Tsui-Leung of Hong Kong’s Ora-Ora Gallery, the collection connects artists from Beijing and Hong Kong, bringing contemporary culture into the traveler’s path.
At the entrance, bold calligraphy by Chui Pui Chee spells out 翱翔 (áo xiáng, or soaring in English), a word that captures freedom and ambition.
Nearby, Beijing artist Xu Lei’s World Cloud reimagines an old cartographic map, layering jade-colored peaks and drifting clouds across a tranquil blue canvas.
In the main lounge, William Lim’s whimsical sketches on boarding passes capture fleeting moments of travel, while Zhang Yanzi’s Genetic Lottery meditates on diversity and shared humanity through the motif of eye colors.
Together, the works invite pause and reflection, adding cultural texture to the lounge’s calm atmosphere.
An Elevated Experience
Small touches make the experience complete: a signature scent of bamboo, lavender, and jasmine; curated lounge music; Bamford amenities in the restrooms; seamless Wi-Fi and a variety of charging options from wireless pads to USB and power sockets.
“We look forward to welcoming our passengers to this redesigned flagship lounge – one that not only reflects the quality of our contemporary lounge network but also evokes a meaningful sense of place in Beijing.”
--Guillaume Vivet, General Manager Customer Experience Design, Cathay Pacific
With seven daily flights between Beijing and Hong Kong this summer, the lounge is where journeys begin.
From a steaming bowl of zhajiangmian to a perfectly brewed cup of tea, Cathay Pacific has created a space that is at once local and global, rooted and soaring.
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