The city of Cathay View – A study of ancient Beijing’s urban planning.
Research, collection and analysis of historical architectural records helped our team of professionals to distill the quintessence of Beijing’s ancient urban planning. Based on this and the rules of Feng Shui, our architects developed the guiding principles for a project with a plot surface of 48 ha, a footprint size of 25 ha and a belt of greenery framing a city of 320 fully detached villas.
Hills in the North, water in the South, an elevate landscape in the West and lowered areas in the East - principles of Feng Shui which have come to be the esthetic and spiritual framework of the overall project.
Centric symmetry and small alleys criss-crossing the compound – characteristics of Beijing’s urban planning.
Hills in the north - Water in the south
In line with the traditional Chinese theory of Feng Shui and the characteristics of Beijing’s climate, Cathay View possesses an exterior belt of greenery with hills and water at its inner side to create an optimized ecological “micro-climate” and “micro-environment” – briefly a better quality of life.
∵ Standard Juniour Baseball and Football Field ∵ Cathay View Lake (13 500 sqm)
∵ Tennis ∵ Cathay View Park Drive (300 m)
∵ Basketball Field ∵ Cathay View Bridge
∵ Lakeside Teahouse (800 sqm)
Harmony - The centric symmetry of streets and hutongs
Cathay View’s east-west axis, approximately 26 meters wide, and the north-south axis, about 10 meters wide, intersect in the heart of the compound separating it into four quarters. Within these four sections small lanes and hutongs criss-cross the area to divide it further conveying symmetry, regularity and harmony.
The way home
On the way back home to Cathay View, driving along the curvy road through the park, one will experience the progressive change of landscape, penetrating further and further from the public to the most intimate space of the community – your home:
① - Driving along the tree-lined Xiang Jiang North Road.
② - Turning into Xiang Jiang West Road sheltered by weeping willow trees.
③ - Following the scenic drive along the lakeside through Cathay View Park.
④ - Crossing the tranquil waters of Cathay View Lake.
⑤ - Entering the refreshingly cool streets with their lush greenery and waterscapes.
⑥ - Passing through calm and idyllic residential hutongs.
⑦ - Arriving home at your courtyard residence – peaceful privacy.
Cathay View – The heart of Beijing’s Central Villa District
Cathay View is located on Xiang Jiang Bei Lu, just 300 meters off the airport expressway’s Bei Gao Exit. With its convenient location, it is only 15 minutes away from Millennium Tower, Lufthansa Centre and the Landmark.
Top-end residences for an international community
The international community around Beijing Riviera has brought world-class facilities to this area such as the Western Academy of Beijing, one of Beijing’s top international schools. The vicinity of Beijing’s airport, the city’s international downtown business areas as well as the embassy districts has attracted a sizeable international community of high-end residents.
Courtyard Residences – Jewels in any investment portfolio
Only a location uniting so many advantages can explain that rentals in this area are the highest ones in Beijing. Above-average yields lie in the region of 10%. Hence, throughout the past, investors with a good eye for unique opportunities have been attracted to this area. With its traditional courtyard design, Cathay View can offer relocating expatriate tenants an unequalled cultural experience – something no other villa property can offer to date. It will by no doubt become a favorite in Beijing’s foreign community and thus soon develop its full investment potential.
A Chinese courtyard design combined with the comforts of a Western contemporary layout.
Cathay View embarks on the cultural renaissance of Chinese traditional architecture and combines it with a Western interior design optimizing the spatial and structural layout. The concept blends the traditional with the contemporary, allows the east mingling with the west.
An authentic cultural experience
For centuries hutongs and courtyards have determined the charm of Old Beijing. Cathay View offers a truly Chinese courtyard living experience while offering the safety, security, and convenience of a sub-urban villa property.
Privacy
A three-meter high wall surrounding the detached villa grants privacy, peace and tranquility shielding you from the noise of the outside world. The privacy of the courtyard residences encourages the use of both the outdoor and indoor space of each unit so that the yard becomes an additional room increasing the effective living space of your house.
Dualism of spaces
The interplay of the indoor and the outdoor living space, the harmony of man and nature is a key element of courtyard life. The yard consists of a front, back, and a side yard and was designed as a place for contemplation, rest or relaxation.
Brightness - The central hall
At Cathay View as in ancient China the living room is named “Tang” (堂), or hall. It has a surface of 40 or 50 squaremeters and a ceiling height of 3.8 meters. The Tang is located on the first floor right in the center of the courtyard villa. Its long windows with wooden blinds are reminiscent of the rectangular shape of Chinese calligraphic scrolls. The wooden shutters let in sufficient sunlight in from the central yard while still shielding the interior from the scourging heat of Beijing’s summer.
Intimacy - The Rooms
A flight of stairs leads to the master bedroom area and keeps it discretely separate from the other rooms on the second floor. The master bedroom area includes a bedroom, a study, a changing room and a master bathroom. From the room, which makes full use of the sloped roof, the view extends over the pavilion to your yard and reaches far over the roofs of the neighboring courtyards and hutongs.
Facilities
The Central Pedestrian Avenue
Located on the central axis of Cathay View, the central pedestrian avenue, 24 meters wide and 306 meters long with a 5000 squaremeter big plaza in its center has been conceived to provide residents with a unique shopping experience.
The Teahouse
Offering a selection of rare teas, the teahouse becomes the place for memorable moments with friends while tasting and enjoying teas from all over China.
The Clubhouse
An elegant space with state-of-the-art fitness equipment offers unprecedented leisure experiences for our demanding residents.
The Restaurant
Culinary delights and rare wines enchant your palate in an unequalled setting.
The Bar
Sip your favorite cocktail or embark on a tasting tour through our wine collection accompanied by piano and saxophone.
The Cafe
Sit down and let the world come to a rest over a cup of espresso freshly brewed from pure Arabica beans. Get carried away by the rich aromas and the Viennese melodies playing in the background.
The Lakeside Teahouse
The Lakeside Teahouse is located on the shores of Cathay View Lake impressing its visitors with its breathtaking design. Its layout follows the division of spaces of a classical lakeside pavilion in Suzhou’s gardens. Yet, its plain, almost stoic design based on glass, steel and stone transforms it into a stunningly contemporary piece of architecture.
The Baseball Field
A unique facility in the area - the full-sized baseball field will attract baseball fans from all over Beijing’s expatriate community.
The Tennis Courts
Cathay View Park features two standard tennis courts at the convenience of our residents.
The Children's Pool
The hotspot of Cathay View's youngster community in the summer.
The Pet Garden
An area reserved especially for our four-legged friends.
The Half-pipe
The ultimate venue for skateboard amateurs.
The Kindergarten
Located within the compound, featuring highest international education standards for the youngest residents at Cathay View.
The Jogging Trail
A fitness trail for a jog in the crisp morning air or on a mild summer evening.
Educational facilities
Cathay View is located just a bike-ride away from the Western Academy of Beijing (Kindergarten to High School with International Baccalaureate available as of 2005) and the Montessori Kindergarten at Beijing Riviera (accredited by the American Montessori Society and the Boston North-East Montessori Institute). Moreover, Cathay View is | 
