"Youth in China seek spiritual guidance amid growing uncertainty"

Seeking Answers in Uncertain Times

Near the entrance of a softly lit bar in Fengtai, a district in southern Beijing, handwritten notes pinned to a board reveal the concerns of visitors hoping for guidance alongside their drinks.

One As All is among several establishments in Beijing, Shanghai, and other Chinese cities where patrons can explore fortune-telling while enjoying a cocktail. Located on the 12th floor of an office building, the bar offers drinks priced from 88 yuan—a number considered lucky in Chinese culture. Beyond the view of Beijing’s skyline, guests can consult an in-house diviner specializing in *qiuqian*, an ancient form of prediction using numbered sticks often found in Taoist temples. The scent of incense drifts from a small shrine in a side room, adding to the ambiance.

Derrex Deng, a 20-year-old student with an interest in mysticism, interprets the sticks for visitors. With jade accessories and polished nails featuring black-and-white cat designs, he represents a new wave of fortune-tellers. He recalls sensing spiritual energy as a child, and his straightforward approach has earned him trust.

To consult the sticks, patrons ask a question before selecting one from an ornate cylinder. Each bears numbered inscriptions, which Deng deciphers. His advice is as modern as his style—when asked how to better communicate with a relative abroad, he recommends using more emojis in messages.

### Economic Anxiety Drives Interest in Divination

Concerns about careers and relationships are universal, but as China’s economic growth slows, many young people seek reassurance in *xuanxue* (mysticism). Popular astrology apps, like Cece, backed by Tencent, have seen over 100 million downloads, reflecting the rise of what some call the “spiritual economy.”

A Weibo user noted, "A few years ago, few believed in metaphysics, but now such beliefs are widespread."

Ma Xu, 33, co-founder of One As All, which opened last April, sees parallels between drinking and mysticism. “In stressful times, both offer emotional release,” he says. As a Taoist, Ma also sees the bar as a way to spread positivity.

Opening a bar during a downturn might seem risky, but Ma believes otherwise. "When times are hard, people crave comfort," he says. The growing fascination with fortune-telling suggests many are searching for answers beyond the material world.