Using DeepSeek and Other Chinese LLMs in Cursor: Complete Configuration Guide
Cursor supports custom OpenAI-compatible APIs. With a few simple steps, you can use DeepSeek, Qwen, Kimi, and other Chinese models as a GPT-4 replacement.
Why Use Chinese Models in Cursor
GPT-4 subscriptions are expensive. Chinese models via ChinaWHAPI cost significantly less per call. For code completion, explanation, and simple refactoring tasks, Chinese models are fully capable.
Configuration Steps
Open Cursor settings, find AI Provider, select Custom or OpenAI Compatible, then fill in ChinaWHAPI's base URL and your API Key.
Choosing a Model
For code generation and completion, Qwen3 Coder Plus or Doubao Seed Code are recommended; for code review and explanation, DeepSeek V4 Pro; for complex planning, DeepSeek R1.
- Qwen3 Coder Plus: best value for code tasks
- Doubao Seed Code: strong at frontend and Bugfix
- DeepSeek R1: for tasks requiring reasoning
Caveats
Cursor's MCP feature currently doesn't support Chinese models — use AI Provider settings or Cursor Rules instead. If you get 401, check that the API Key is correct and hasn't expired.
Cost Comparison
Cursor + GPT-4 costs ~$20+/month, while Cursor + ChinaWHAPI Chinese model combinations may cost only $5–10/month (depending on usage) — significantly better value.