The Rise of DeepSeek in Chinese Astrology

Wang, a university lecturer, was deeply concerned that her son's name didn't align with the traditional Chinese philosophy of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Fearing it might lead to misfortune, she knew she'd need an expert in 'BaZi'—the Four Pillars of Destiny—to rectify the situation.

But now, thanks to DeepSeek—a pioneering AI model that deftly interprets the Chinese language—Wang found a modern solution. This innovative platform has been impressively adept at BaZi, analyzing a person's birth time and details to assess the elemental balance of their destiny.

Transforming Names, Transforming Lives

Wang experimented with different names on DeepSeek, ultimately choosing one that scored an impressive 96 out of 100. "My son's original name was Zeng Jiayou, reflecting metal, wood, and earth. Now, he's Zeng Le'an, representing metal, fire, and earth—better aligned with his fortune," she explained.

From Geopolitical Hype to Personal Connections

In Beijing, the buzz surrounding DeepSeek is palpable. For the Chinese Communist Party and leadership, including Xi Jinping, the AI’s emergence feels like a major geopolitical win, especially after the U.S. gained traction with generative AI tools like ChatGPT. DeepSeek claims to be a cost-effective Chinese alternative.

However, for many ordinary Chinese citizens, the platform’s real allure lies in its capacity to enhance personal lives. Amid a sluggish economy, more people are turning to DeepSeek for guidance on life’s ups and downs.

Trusting the AI: Real-Life Experiences

Nabao, a Beijing Internet worker, found DeepSeek's BaZi analysis spot-on when it described her as “fiery” and accurately predicted her work-related fortunes. Impressed by its insight, she spent 10,000 yuan (around S$1,800) on a six-carat aquamarine stone based on its recommendation to balance her elemental makeup.

"It's not about following AI blindly. If you lean toward an inclination, DeepSeek's insights can boost your confidence to act," she shared.

Another user, Ma, compared her taste in cities with DeepSeek’s predictions. Her affinity for Beijing and disdain for Guangzhou, where she had an unpleasant visit, aligned perfectly with the platform’s findings.

Similarly, a Beijinger named LV purchased bracelets per DeepSeek's suggestions, wearing them for significant occasions.

Personal Explorations with DeepSeek's Insights

Intrigued, I decided to input my son's BaZi details into DeepSeek and posed questions about his potential career path and even tattoo ideas. While the job suggestions ranged from academia to engineering—generic yet thoughtful—DeepSeek surprised me with a creative tattoo concept: a monkey surfing, which symbolized water submitting to fire.

Another suggestion featured cloud patterns, indicative of a ‘life journey across borders’—fitting for a child of diverse backgrounds.

A New Era in Chinese Fortune-Telling?

While I remain skeptical about fully entrusting my fate to an AI model, millions of Chinese are not. As DeepSeek continues to evolve, it may significantly sway one of the world’s most fortune-seeking cultures.