Today I finally downloaded the ViaReal app. I kept seeing people rave about it on social media, saying it “changed their lifestyle” or “felt like cheating.” At first I thought it was just hype—another social app, right? How special could it be?
But after downloading and opening it, the interface really was quite plain:
- Pale colors
- No fancy buttons
- No filters, no like feature
I almost deleted it. But then I thought: Since I’ve already installed it, why not give it two more minutes?
Once I tried it, I couldn’t stop.
The first feature that blew my mind: Lift your phone, and all the info pops up
I tapped the little compass icon at the bottom, and suddenly, my phone screen transformed—every place around me was marked.
Standing at the street corner, the bakery across the way lit up on the screen, even showing the price of today’s special meat floss bread.
Even more amazing: I spotted a music festival poster on a wall. The app prompted me: “Try pointing your phone at the poster.”
I did it, feeling a bit silly, like I was trying to snap a ghost.
But the next second, the poster moved!
The festival’s promotional video started playing right on the screen—singers dancing, lights flashing, just like a live preview.
No need to scan a QR code, no need to jump to a webpage, no need to do anything. The video just automatically overlaid the poster and played.
They call this “augmented reality,” but to me, it felt more like “magic.”
No More Digging Through Your Wallet to Shop
At lunchtime, I wanted to grab some fruit and daily necessities.
On the app’s map, I spotted a nearby supermarket marked with “Today’s Deals.”
Tapping in revealed the promotions:
- 20% off tomatoes
- Buy one milk, get one free
- Save an extra 5 yuan when paying via the app at checkout
I claimed the coupons directly in my phone, walked to the register, opened the payment code, and with a “beep,” it was done.
The best part: the digital receipt automatically saved in the app—no need to take photos or keep paper slips.
Now, checking when I bought something or how much I spent is just a tap away.
Suddenly, I realized I could truly leave home without a wallet.
I Can Even Leave Notes for Others
That afternoon, I passed an alley and spotted a stunning graffiti wall.
ViaReal prompted me: “Want to add a note about this place?”
I gave it a try, writing: “Artist: Jane. Created in 2023. Inspired by the seaside.”
Hours later, I got a notification:
“Someone replied to your note.”
I opened it to find a voice message from an unknown user: “Jane’s my friend. She said the wall’s colors were mixed to match sunset light.”
It touched me.
It felt like we’d collectively built an “invisible story wall” in real life.
No one organized it, but everyone chose to share.
It helped me discover hidden gems nearby
Before, I’d always walk with my head down on my phone or stick to the same routes.
But after using ViaReal’s “Compass Mode,” I realized: The paths I walk every day actually hide so many wonderful places I never knew existed.
For example:
- A vintage barbershop on the corner that’s been open for 30 years
- A weekend-only used bookstall tucked in an alley
- A quiet birdwatching spot behind the park
These spots never show up on regular maps, but ViaReal automatically displays them based on user tags.
Unlike navigation apps that only tell you “the fastest route,” it whispers: “This place looks interesting—want to check it out?”
Works offline—so thoughtful!
I also discovered a super practical feature: offline location saving.
Say I spot a café I want to visit on the weekend, but I know the signal there is terrible.
I just “bookmark” it in the app. Even if I turn off data later or have no Wi-Fi, I can still open it and see the address, hours, and user reviews.
For someone like me who frequently visits the suburbs or old neighborhoods, this is incredibly convenient.
So what makes it so powerful?
After using it all day, I’ve distilled ViaReal’s core strengths:
- Real-time local insights
No need to ask people or search online—just lift your phone to discover nearby shops, events, and deals. - Scan posters or signs to view videos/menus instantly
Scan posters or signs for music festivals, restaurants, or exhibitions—no need to download multiple apps. - Automatically save receipts after purchases
Never worry about losing receipts again, and quickly check spending history. - Leave “notes” at real-world locations
Your tips, stories, or reviews become visible to others, collectively enriching city information. - Discover hidden gems
It’s more than just navigation—it’s your “urban exploration assistant.” - Offline access
View saved locations even without internet. - Seamless payment + discounts
Find deals, claim coupons, and pay directly within the app—effortlessly integrated.
It’s not about “showing off”—it’s about making life easier
ViaReal isn’t like Instagram or TikTok.
It doesn’t encourage photo-sharing for attention or push like counts and rankings.
Its goal isn’t to make you “seen,” but to help you “see more clearly.”
At first, I thought it looked plain and lacked flashy features.
But after using it for a day, I realized:
Truly useful things often look deceptively simple.
Quiet and unobtrusive, it quietly saves me time and hassle while I walk, shop, and explore the city.
Now it’s pinned to my phone’s home screen.
Not because it’s cool, but because it—
makes real life just a little bit more manageable.