--- title: "Review: China Airlines VIP Lounge (TPE)" site: "The Quiet Vacationer" site_url: https://quietvacationer.com/ url: https://quietvacationer.com/2025/07/31/review-china-airlines-vip-lounge-tpe/ date_published: 2025-07-31 date_modified: 2025-12-16 author: "The Quiet Vacationer" categories: - "Lounge Reviews" - "Reviews" tags: - "China Airlines" - "SkyTeam" - "Taiwan" --- # Review: China Airlines VIP Lounge (TPE) I visited the China Airlines VIP Lounge within Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 1 in July 2025. The atmosphere feels very earthy and zen with its interior design. The food is nice, but it’s not competing with Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific. ## Location and access China Airlines runs multiple lounges across Terminals 1 and 2, each with A and B sections. Only the A section in Terminal 1 Level 4 was open at the time, tucked right beside the escalator. I overshot it on my first pass, so keep an eye out. You can access this lounge (and likewise the other open China Airlines VIP Lounge in Terminal 2) either as a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, or by flying as a SkyTeam Business or First Class passenger. ## Layout Upon checking in at reception, turn left and walk down a long hallway to reach the business lounge. Granite stone walls line the passage with warm timber details, creating an earthy atmosphere. I found it genuinely zen, with interior design that feels considered and refined. I’ve read that China Airlines [designed this space](https://www.china-airlines.com/gb/en/about-us/design-story) around Oriental aesthetics, by blending contemporary design with Song Dynasty aesthetics and the [Classical Gardens of Suzhou](https://thedesignair.net/2014/11/19/china-airlines-new-lounge-strengthens-new-designer-airline-status/). It’s noticeably different from EVA Air’s sleek, futuristic lounges. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge hallway from reception](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-1.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge hallway from reception* Deeper inside, you’ll find washrooms, a sleeping room with lockers and a nursing room along the hallway. The lockers are a nice touch for storing bags whilst you freshen up or rest before your flight, though you’d have to request the keys from the reception. I personally didn’t use the sleeping room or the lockers on this visit. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge sleeping room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-18.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge sleeping room* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge nursing room](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-19.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge nursing room* Next, you’ll pass the exclusive Dynasty Paragon Lounge, reserved for China Airlines’ top-tier frequent flyers. I didn’t have access to it, but caught a glimpse when the doors opened. Finally, the main business class lounge sits at the end of the hallway, marked by a sign over the granite walls. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge’s business class section entrance sign](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-2.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge’s business class section entrance sign* The entrance opens into a large hallway for the main business lounge. It’s fairly symmetrical, with similar furnishings on both sides. Seating is mostly soft sofas scattered throughout. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge’s business class section entrance](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-3.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge’s business class section entrance* The lounge has no natural lighting except for a small section at the end. Honestly, it works nicely. I loved how the interior design embraces the lack of natural lighting. The materials and lighting blend well to suit the lack of natural light. If you prefer some natural light, you can head to the main dining area by the Chinese Noodle Bar, though the views aren’t that great since it doesn’t look out to the tarmac and it’s also partially blocked by some plants. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge seating areas](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-4.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge seating areas* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge seating areas](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-17.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge seating areas* ## Food and drinks Food and drinks anchor the centre of the lounge. On the north side, there is a buffet spread alongside a live Chinese Noodle Bar serving six different noodle and udon options, plus a Thai green curry with rice. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge’s Chinese Noodle Bar](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-5.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge’s Chinese Noodle Bar* The options were pretty good. You could choose between noodles and udon. I personally chose the Taiwanese beef noodle soup, which was delicious. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge’s Chinese Noodle Bar menu](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-11.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge’s Chinese Noodle Bar menu* If you’re not interested in noodles, you could always go for other options. I believe they do rotate the Thai green curry. If that’s not to your liking, there’s always the buffet spread. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge Thai green curry](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-10.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge Thai green curry* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge buffet dinner](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-9.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge buffet dinner* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge buffet dinner](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-8.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge buffet dinner* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge buffet dinner](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-7.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge buffet dinner* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge steamed buns](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-12.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge steamed buns* There were also two drinks fridge, one on each side of the lounge. The options were pretty similar on both sides, with some slight variations in drinks. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge drinks fridge](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-6.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge drinks fridge* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge meal](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-13.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge meal* On the quieter south side, you’ll find pastries, breads, wine, Evian water and a DIY boba station. It’s an interesting experience for an airline lounge where you actually get to make something yourself, and a nod to Taiwan’s milk tea popularity. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge pastries section](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-14.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge pastries section* ![China Airlines VIP Lounge pastries section](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-15.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge pastries section* Being able to customise your own milk tea is a fun touch that sets the lounge apart and appeals to those who enjoy a hands-on experience with their drinks. The station typically includes ingredients like tapioca pearls, premixed milk tea and plain milk, allowing travellers to personalise sweetness and flavour intensity to their tastes. ![China Airlines VIP Lounge DIY boba milk tea](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-16.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge DIY boba milk tea* ## Amenities Showers require a request at reception, meaning you have to walk back there from the lounge area. Only two are available, which could be tight during busy periods. The lounge was quiet during my visit, so I faced no queue and got in right away. https://www.reddit.com/r/Taipei/comments/18dbz0j/showers_at_taoyuan_airport/​Toiletries were unbranded shampoo and body wash. Local Taiwanese brands could have added a distinctive touch and better aligned with the lounge’s cultural design theme.https://baldthoughts.boardingarea.com/taiwan-taoyuan-airport-hidden-shower-room/​ ![China Airlines VIP Lounge showers](https://cdn.quietvacationer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/china-airlines-vip-lounge-t1-20.jpg) *China Airlines VIP Lounge showers* ## Concluding thoughts This lounge offers thoughtful design and good food options, creating a genuinely calming space. Highlights like the live noodle bar and DIY boba milk tea station provide enjoyable local touches. Compared to EVA Air’s lounges, which often feel overcrowded, this lounge delivers better peace and intimacy despite its dim lighting. For SkyTeam travellers at TPE, it’s a solid choice that balances comfort and cultural character well. --- *Originally published on [The Quiet Vacationer](https://quietvacationer.com/2025/07/31/review-china-airlines-vip-lounge-tpe/)*