Upper House has introduced House Locals, a new concept connecting guests with local insiders offering tailored cultural experiences across Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai.

Upper House has launched a new guest experience programme called House Locals, designed to connect travellers with people who know their cities in depth. The concept focuses on offering access to local knowledge through curated, personalised activities rather than traditional sightseeing.

The initiative introduces a network of “House Locals”, described as creatives, tastemakers and specialists whose expertise comes from living and working in the destinations where Upper House operates. These individuals design bespoke itineraries and experiences that aim to give visitors a closer understanding of local culture, traditions and everyday life.

According to the press material, the programme allows guests to explore destinations “not through landmarks, but through the people that know them best”. Experiences range from guided urban walks in Hong Kong to hands-on activities such as panda conservation in Chengdu and private cooking sessions focused on soup dumplings in Shanghai.

The programme launched in April 2026, with the first group of House Locals introduced across Hong Kong, Chengdu and Shanghai. These destinations reflect Upper House’s current footprint in China, where the brand operates a collection of design-led hotels and residences.

Upper House plans to expand the initiative over time, with additional House Locals and seasonal experiences to be introduced across its properties. The company says guests will continue to receive updated recommendations, insider tips and access to places that are not typically open to visitors.

The concept reflects a wider shift in luxury travel towards more personalised and experience-led stays. Rather than focusing only on accommodation, hotel brands are increasingly positioning themselves as facilitators of local access, using networks of residents and specialists to shape guest itineraries.

Upper House operates properties in cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai and Chengdu, with additional locations in Shenzhen, Xi’an and Tokyo, as well as branded residences in Bangkok. The brand focuses on smaller-scale, design-driven hotels that emphasise individuality and tailored service.