Story | Connie Li Photography | Cathay Pacific
At Beijing Capital International Airport’s Terminal 3, near Gate E20, Cathay Pacific has unveiled its newly redesigned flagship lounge.
It is a space that redefines the art of waiting. Spanning 843 square metres and offering 238 seats, the lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. until the last departure, welcoming travellers into a world where functionality meets elegance.
A Residential Ambience in the Sky
Conceived by London-based Studioilse, the design studio also behind The Pier at Hong Kong International Airport, the Beijing lounge embodies Cathay Pacific’s human-centric design philosophy. Cherry wood finishes, limestone accents, and warm lighting evoke the comfort of a modern apartment rather than a transit hub. High ceilings and expansive windows flood the lounge with natural light, framing views of the tarmac and softening the edges of travel with a calm, residential feel.
Dining: From Beijing Flavours to Global Comfort
Food is at the heart of the experience. The iconic Noodle Bar serves freshly prepared wonton and dan dan noodles, alongside local favourites such as savoury Beijing bean paste noodles and umami-rich da lu noodles. Gong bao chicken and seasonal stir-fried vegetables add depth to the menu’s cultural richness. Breakfast brings comforting staples including beef shaobing paired with hot soy milk and fried dough sticks.
The Food Hall, with its open ceiling and contemporary layout, expands the offering with hearty hot dishes, fresh salads, artisanal breads, lemon cheesecake, and apple tarts—an eclectic yet comforting mix of international flavours.
For the first time outside Hong Kong, the Teahouse introduces the quiet ritual of tea appreciation to Beijing. Here, Cathay’s tea specialists brew premium Chinese teas to order, including jasmine silver needle from Yunnan, traditional Tieguanyin from Fujian, and Phoenix Oolong, selected specially to celebrate the lounge’s opening.
Spaces for Rest and Reflection
The Main Lounge offers the intimacy of a refined home, where bespoke furnishings and ambient lighting balance privacy with sociability. The Terrace, a light-filled verandah, features Cathay’s custom multi-functional Solo Chairs, inviting guests to pause and take in the view. Throughout the lounge, curated artworks—from contemporary calligraphy to whimsical sketches on boarding passes—extend Cathay’s “Gallery in the Skies” concept to the ground experience.
Scent, Sound, and Subtle Details
A signature fragrance blending lavender, bamboo, green tea, and jasmine lingers gently in the air, instantly recognisable to frequent travellers. Complemented by the lounge’s distinct musical identity, free Wi-Fi, wireless charging, Bamford amenities in the washrooms, and a reading selection of international publications, the space anticipates travellers’ needs with quiet sophistication.
Access
The redesigned Beijing lounge is open to First and Business Class passengers, Cathay Silver members and above, Cathay members of all tiers holding valid lounge passes with accompanying guests, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.
More than a waiting area, the Cathay Pacific Beijing Lounge is a sanctuary designed to elevate every journey with calm, culture, and understated luxury.
