Cathay brings its signature design to Beijing

Cathay Pacific’s lounges have long been among my favourites, and the reopening of their flagship space at Beijing Capital International Airport only reinforces why. Designed by Studioilse – the same creative force behind The Pier in Hong Kong – this new lounge brings with it that instantly recognisable residential aesthetic which has become synonymous with the airline’s brand on the ground.

Step inside and the first impression is striking. Cherry wood panelling, limestone, soft natural lighting, and well-considered furnishings combine to create a space that feels closer to an elegant apartment than a waiting room. It’s a design language that has now become so tied to Cathay that you could almost walk in blindfolded, open your eyes, and immediately know where you are. That kind of brand recognition is gold dust in an industry where too many carriers are happy to blend into a sea of generic “luxury.”

What I like about this new space in Beijing is that it doesn’t just replicate what Cathay has done elsewhere, it gently evolves it. The traditional check-in desk has been replaced by a podium reception, a format first seen at The Bridge in Hong Kong earlier this year. It sets a different tone from the very start… less transactional, more personal. Lounge Ambassadors, introduced here for the first time outside Hong Kong, add to that sense of being hosted rather than processed.

Once inside, the main lounge continues that residential philosophy. The layout is intentionally more like a home than a public space, with defined “rooms” that balance sociability with privacy. If you’re travelling alone, there are intimate corners tucked away with Cathay’s bespoke Solo Chairs, now slightly reworked for this lounge. If you’re in a group, there are communal tables and softer seating areas.

The attention to detail is everywhere with side tables featuring discreetly integrated charging, thoughtfully chosen lighting that’s warm without being dim, and an overall flow that encourages you to exhale, not just sit and wait.

Of course, no Cathay lounge would be complete without the Noodle Bar, which has become an icon in its own right. Here in Beijing, it continues to deliver the comfort classics… wonton soup, dan dan noodles… but also adds Northern Chinese dishes to give the space a stronger sense of place. The rich, savoury Beijing bean paste noodles are a highlight, as is the layered da lu noodle, both of which provide a regional authenticity I appreciate. It’s a simple reminder that a lounge meal can be more than just fuel, it can also be cultural connection.

Alongside it is the Food Hall, another familiar Cathay concept, offering everything from hot dishes and fresh salads to home-style baked goods. The balance here is clever: the Noodle Bar gives you theatre and a taste of the city, while the Food Hall gives you range and variety for longer stays.

But perhaps the most exciting addition for me is the Teahouse. First introduced in Hong Kong, this is its debut outside the airline’s home hub. It’s a calm, almost ritualistic space, where tea specialists brew premium Chinese leaves to order. For example, try the delicate Jasmine Silver Needle from Yunnan on your visit, and the process itself will feel as restorative as the tea. Again, it’s that layering of cultural authenticity that elevates the lounge from being simply comfortable to being memorable.

There’s also the Terrace, a bright verandah that looks out toward the apron. It’s filled with natural light, and the way the roof and windows are angled means it remains temperate year-round. It’s an ideal spot if, like me, you enjoy watching aircraft movements while sipping a coffee or tea before a flight.

Beyond the physical layout and dining, Cathay has thought carefully about the sensory side of experience. Their signature scent – a blend of lavender, bamboo and green tea – is present here, instantly recognisable and reassuring. Music has been curated to fit the airline’s character, calm and subtle rather than generic background noise. Even the artworks, which tie into Cathay’s Gallery in the Skies initiative, are chosen to complement rather than overwhelm. From contemporary calligraphy to whimsical sketches on boarding passes, the effect is playful without being intrusive.

It’s this layering of details that makes Cathay’s lounges so successful. There’s a cohesion and a refinement that few carriers manage to achieve. I’ve said before that this design language is now synonymous with the airline, and Beijing only reinforces that view.

What’s interesting, though, is how different this feels compared with Cathay’s inflight product. Onboard, the design is more restrained. Functional, minimal, and understated, even though we’re great fans of the new Aria Suite. While both cabin and lounge are executed to a very high standard, the dialogue between them is faint. You don’t walk from lounge to aircraft and feel like you’re still inside the same “home.” For me, that’s a missing link. If Cathay could translate more of this warmth, intimacy and design flair into their cabins, they’d have one of the most holistically branded experiences in the industry – and this simply could be done by refining the colour palettes onboard.

That said, in a market where many airlines are converging on a generic definition of luxury – flat beds, mood lighting, a sea of beige and grey tones – Cathay’s approach stands out. It’s not chasing trends. It’s doubling down on an identity that feels authentic, rooted in both Hong Kong and Chinese culture but presented with international polish.

At 843 square metres with seating for 238, the Beijing lounge may not be the largest in Cathay’s network, but it’s one of the most important. It underscores the airline’s commitment to the Chinese Mainland, while at the same time cementing its position as a design leader in the premium travel space.

For me, this lounge proves once again that when it comes to crafting an environment that’s more than just functional, Cathay gets it right. They understand that passengers don’t just want somewhere to sit, eat, and charge their phones. They want to feel part of a brand, to step into a space that makes them feel both at home and part of something larger. In Beijing, Cathay has achieved exactly that.

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