China Airlines Lounge Zone A

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge – Tapiei (TPE) Terminal 1 | © China Airlines

The China Airlines Dynasty Lounge at Taipei airport Terminal 1 is the carrier’s flagship club. The recently remodeled lounge welcomes premium and elite passengers departing on China Airlines and SkyTeam flights.

While China Airlines flights to the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and China depart from Terminal 2, the two terminals are connected airside – if you are departing from Terminal 2 and wish to use the flagship lounge, then just make a left towards the D gates immediately after passport control, and then turn right towards Terminal 1. The walk is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. China Airlines also operates a (more modest) lounge in Terminal 2.

China Airlines Lounge Zone A TPE design

The refreshed China Airlines Dynasty Lounge at Taipei airport Terminal 1 opened in late 2014/early 2015, in conjunction with the launch of the “New Generation” campaign for the unveiling of China Airlines’ new Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge – Tapiei (TPE) Terminal 1 | © China Airlines

The design concept, “oriental literati aesthetics”,  aims at integrating contemporary and Chinese Song Dynasty elements. Both new aircraft interior and the Dynasty Lounge were designed by a famous Taiwanese architect known for his luxurious yet subtle and mature design style.

The entrance sets the tone, with gorgeous wooden wall panels engraved with the China Airlines logo. The lounge is divided into two areas for Business Class and First Class/Emerald and Paragon passengers.

The Business Class side is located at the end of a long hallway, in which a wide selection of international newspapers and magazines is available.

The lounge exudes gives a vibe of a “reading room at home, with warm dimmed lights, and a glass of whiskey.” The serenity of the space and the elegant décor give guests a relaxing and calming environment at a busy airport. Even at peak departure times, the club remains relatively quiet. Tungsten lamps, amber glass and brass create a sophisticated environment emanating the cultural atmosphere days gone by.

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge – Tapiei (TPE) Terminal 1 | © China Airlines

At the center of the Business class zone is a dining area with U-shaped couches along the left and right walls. The seating areas are outfitted with dual Taiwanese standard power outlets, which use the same voltage as United States plugs. The couches are soft and comfortable, with side tables to place a whiskey or coffee. The design concept is inspired by the lifestyle and tastes of a literary recluse: on the wall are display cases featuring art work, photography, and books.

Overall, the China Airlines Lounge lacks natural light, but the décor embraces the darkness and fosters a calming atmosphere. Patrons who prefer natural light may want to head to the second dining area at the very end of the lounge, which benefits from a window and indoor plants.

According to China Airlines, the First Class area is “inspired by traveling and hunting scenes of the imperial court. The use of drapery and mobile furniture helps separate the dining space from the more private, personal spaces.”

China Airlines Lounge Zone A TPE amenities

The China Airlines Dynasty Lounge at Taipei airport Terminal 1 offers a good selection of Asian and Western food options. The hot food buffet features a number of signature Taiwanese dishes, such as sesame oil and soy sauce chicken. The lounge also offers an Asian noodle bar that serves traditional Taiwanese soups, like braised beef noodles and noodles with pork broth. Braised beef noodles are a China Airlines staple and signature dish, which the airline showcases both on board and on the ground. Other options include hot soups, salads, cheese, and desserts.

China Airlines Dynasty Lounge – Tapiei (TPE) Terminal 1 | © China Airlines

The drink selection includes espresso, local tapioca milk tea (milk tea with dessert puddings made of honey and starch), soft drinks, as well as a small selection of alcoholic beverages. Traditional tea service is also offered at specific times.

The lounge has three shower suites (note that there may be a wait at peak times.) Each suite comes with a shower, a toilet, a sink, and space for bags. Shampoo and body wash are provided in large containers with push pumps. The shower suites have a few idiosyncrasies. The bath products are identified by labels taped to the containers and smeared by water, so it’s a guess as to which product you’re using. The toilet lacks a paper holder, so the rolls are placed next to the sink and are likely to get wet. When we visited, a shower smelled like urine – and we regretted that it was not completely dried off before use.

The lounge also features a few private rooms with day beds, with sliding doors. There is also a business center with desktop computers. By the press stand are immigration forms for a variety of destinations.

China Airlines Lounge Zone A TPE bottom line

The China Airlines Lounge at Taipei airport Terminal 1 boasts a stunning interior design, with numerous cultural elements and art pieces. The food spread is also a nod to Taiwanese traditions and cultures. It is a pleasure to see an airline showcasing their nation’s culture.