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In a dimly lit lounge tucked away in a high-rise in Beijing’s southern Fengtai district, visitors are greeted by more than just the aroma of cocktails. Pinned to a board by the entrance, handwritten notes lay bare their desires—pass exams, find love, become wealthy. At One As All, a bar that mixes alcohol with age-old spiritual practices, the quest for emotional relief meets a growing appetite for metaphysical answers.
As China grapples with a sluggish economy and uncertain job prospects, a new form of escapism is gaining ground. Bars like One As All are turning into sanctuaries where anxious youth sip wine and seek guidance through traditional Chinese fortune-telling. These establishments are becoming cultural hubs for the rising “spiritual economy,” offering a blend of comfort, conversation, and customized cosmic advice.
I. The Rise of Fortune-Telling Bars in Urban China
1. Where Cocktails Meet Chinese Divination
Tucked on the 12th floor of a commercial building, One As All offers more than just sweeping views of Beijing’s skyline. The bar serves drinks priced at an auspicious 88 yuan (around £9)—with the number eight symbolizing good fortune in Chinese culture. But its real allure lies in the spiritual consultation room, where incense drifts from a Taoist shrine and customers seek answers via qiuqian, an ancient practice involving Chinese lottery sticks.
2. A Gen Z Fortune Teller Leads the Way
Twenty-year-old Derrex Deng, dressed in jade accessories and sporting cat-themed manicures, is the bar’s resident fortune-teller. Identifying as part of Gen Z, Deng blends modern aesthetics with spiritual tradition. Claiming he could see spirits from as young as three, he interprets the sticks—each etched with numerals and texts—in a style both traditional and trendy. When asked how to improve communication with a relative abroad, Deng’s divine advice was characteristically Gen Z: use more emojis.
II. Economic Downturn and Emotional Escapism
1. Financial Insecurity Sparks Spiritual Curiosity
While love and career worries are universal, the backdrop of economic slowdown has pushed many Chinese millennials and Gen Zers to explore mysticism more actively. Apps like Cece, a Tencent-backed astrology platform, have seen over 100 million downloads. On social media, users note that belief in metaphysics has risen noticeably in recent years—corresponding with growing job insecurity and financial strain.
2. Bars as Modern-Day Emotional Outlets
According to Ma Xu, co-owner of One As All, the popularity of such bars reflects a need for emotional release. “Both alcohol and mysticism offer people a way to vent in this stressful environment,” Ma said. As a Taoist himself, Ma believes the bar helps generate good karma. And despite economic turbulence, he sees the current moment as ideal for such a business. “People can’t afford trips abroad, but they can afford a drink and a conversation,” he explained.
III. Mixing Tradition with Modern Social Needs
1. Ancient Rituals Reimagined
Customers like Dong Boya, a 29-year-old in public relations, find the combination of drinking and divination intriguing. “We used to go to temples for qiuqian, but this feels more accessible,” she said. Along with her friends, she came armed with questions about love and wealth—two themes that dominate the urban millennial psyche. Another customer, Hu Jiahui, joked that getting rich in Beijing either required criminal activity or knowing the right people.
2. Cultural Confidence Fuels Mystical Revival
Yaling Jiang, a trend analyst, attributes the surge in Chinese-style fortune-telling to growing cultural pride. With homegrown brands gaining global traction and films like Ne Zha 2 breaking records, young people are increasingly drawn to traditions with deep local roots. While tarot and Western-style mysticism have a presence, many locals express skepticism about their authenticity compared to Taoist or Buddhist divination.
IV. Navigating the Limits of Faith in a Secular State
1. State Atheism and Spiritual Crackdowns
Despite its cultural appeal, mysticism in China exists within a delicate legal framework. The Communist Party maintains an officially atheist stance and has, in recent years, cracked down on what it terms “superstition.” According to state media, nearly 300 individuals have faced legal consequences since 2018 for engaging in spiritual practices—some receiving sentences of up to 17 years.
2. Walking the Legal Tightrope
Bar owner Ma Xu is acutely aware of the risks. He ensures that the divination sessions are offered free of charge and advises patrons not to place blind faith in predictions. “There’s a fine line between belief and superstition,” he says. This careful balance allows bars like One As All to operate without attracting government scrutiny, offering spiritual guidance without crossing regulatory boundaries.
V. The “Spiritual Economy” as a Consumption Driver
1. Consumer Spending Through Cultural Experiences
China’s authorities are eager to stimulate domestic consumption in the face of weakening exports and broader economic malaise. According to Jiang, any trend that encourages spending—even on metaphysical services—is likely to receive a silent nod of approval. “If it ultimately drives consumer activity, it’s unlikely to face resistance,” she notes.
2. Affordable Escapism in a Time of Austerity
For many young Chinese navigating rising costs and stagnant wages, fortune-telling bars offer a form of affordable luxury. A glass of wine, ambient lighting, and a mystical reading provide both escapism and emotional release. This fusion of tradition and nightlife is becoming a therapeutic escape for a generation seeking direction amid growing uncertainty.
Conclusion
In an era marked by economic stress and social transformation, China’s urban youth are turning to a unique blend of ancient rituals and modern entertainment for comfort and clarity. Fortune-telling bars like One As All exemplify the growing appeal of the “spiritual economy,” offering emotional solace in stylish settings while tapping into deep-rooted cultural practices. As long as these spaces stay within the bounds of legal and ideological acceptability, they may continue to flourish—not just as places of curiosity, but as sanctuaries of hope and reflection in uncertain times.
