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ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) Python API Setup

Use this page when you need a working Python starting point for ChatGLM (Zhipu AI), then validate quota and model names in the official console before production.

Open official provider → Get one OpenAI-compatible key → Compare API gateway options →

Quick verdict

Free API: 500万 tokens
Rate limits: 5 RPM
Best model starting point: GLM-4
Mainland China access: direct or relatively friendly

Provider fit matrix

Best fit Image generation prototypes, creative automation, and media workflows

Watch out Image/video credits can burn faster than chat tokens; test with small batches first

Production fallback Keep at least one compatible backup provider before shipping

Zhipu buyer intent notes

Who should care

Best for GLM-based apps, China-local compliance needs, free GLM-4-Flash testing, and teams seeking domestic alternatives to OpenAI-style APIs.

Decision trigger

Use Zhipu when domestic access, GLM model coverage, and simple Chinese-language onboarding are strong requirements.

Watch out: Confirm free model availability, paid model names, and account verification requirements before production launch.

Zhipu China accessDirect access notes Qwen vs ZhipuDomestic model comparison Zhipu Python setupStart with compatible SDK patterns

Production readiness checklist

Quota gate Start inside 500万 tokens; log usage before adding retries or batch jobs.

No-card check Try the free path first, then confirm whether billing is required for API keys, higher RPM, or production endpoints.

Regional smoke test Still run one request from your deployment region and from mainland China if users are there.

Source freshness Snapshot date: 2026-06-01; official quota and pricing can change without notice.

Python setup snapshot

Start with the smallest possible chat completion, then move the key to your server-side secret manager before production.

from openai import OpenAI
client = OpenAI(api_key="your-key", base_url="https://open.bigmodel.cn/api/paas/v4")
response = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="glm-4-flash", messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "你好！"}])
print(response.choices[0].message.content)

Free API and pricing notes

500万 tokens

5M tokens free on signup

Access and production risk

Mainland China friendly / direct path likely

Chinese platform, direct access. GLM-4-Flash is free.

How to set it up

Create or locate your provider API key in the official dashboard.

Install the OpenAI-compatible Python SDK or the provider-supported SDK.

Set the API key in an environment variable instead of hard-coding secrets.

Run a small ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) chat completion with GLM-4.

Watch free credits, RPM/TPM limits, response shape, and error messages before scaling.

额度变动提醒

想知道免费额度、价格或可用性变化？先订阅提醒，后续也可以对比官方平台、API 网关和同类替代方案。

订阅提醒 → 获取 OpenLLMAPI Key → 比较 API 网关 →

Source snapshot

Data source: yangmao.ai provider YAML tracker plus provider docs reviewed by the daily crawler. Official dashboards can change quota and pricing without notice; verify before production.

yangmao.ai provider id: zhipu
Official source: https://chatglm.cn
Last updated: 2026-06-01
Free tier: No explicit limit
API credits: 500万 tokens
Rate limit: 5 RPM
Access note: Chinese platform, direct access. GLM-4-Flash is free.

FAQ

Does ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) have a free API?

Yes. Current yangmao.ai record: 500万 tokens. Rate limit note: 5 RPM.

Is ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) OpenAI-compatible?

The recorded setup uses an OpenAI-compatible pattern or SDK-style call. Validate the latest base URL and model names in ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) docs.

Can I use ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) from mainland China?

ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) is marked as relatively direct or Mainland-China-friendly in the current tracker.

What should I do when ChatGLM (Zhipu AI) credits run out?

Compare the alternatives below, check /en/free-ai-api/, and shortlist official providers or API gateway options before production.

Why choose Zhipu over Qwen or DeepSeek?

Choose Zhipu when GLM models, free GLM-4-Flash testing, and a China-local provider relationship fit your app requirements.