How to Use GroundAPI MCP in Claude Desktop and Cursor

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a protocol standard introduced by Anthropic that allows AI assistants to call external tools directly. GroundAPI natively supports MCP, which means your Claude or Cursor can directly query real-time data like stocks, weather, logistics, and more.

What Is MCP?

In simple terms, MCP transforms AI from a mere "chatbot" into an Agent that can actually take action. When you ask Claude "What's Moutai's stock price today?", it can call GroundAPI via MCP to fetch the real-time quote.

Configuring Claude Desktop

Open Claude Desktop's configuration file and add the GroundAPI MCP service:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "groundapi": {
      "url": "https://mcp.groundapi.net/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "sk_live_your_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Restart Claude Desktop, and you'll see GroundAPI's data endpoints appear in the tools list, spanning finance, information, and life services. Now try telling Claude:

• "Check today's weather in Beijing for me"
• "What's the latest stock price of 600519?"
• "Look up the shipping status of SF Express package SF1234567890"
• "How is the A-share market doing today?"
• "Search for the latest AI Agent news"

Configuring Cursor

Cursor also supports MCP. Add the following to .cursor/mcp.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "groundapi": {
      "url": "https://mcp.groundapi.net/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "X-API-Key": "sk_live_your_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Once configured, Cursor's Agent mode can call real-time data while writing code. For example, you can ask it to "analyze the semiconductor sector based on current market data", and it will automatically call GroundAPI to fetch the latest information.

Local npm Package Mode

If you prefer running the MCP Server locally:

npm install -g groundapi-mcp

Then connect via stdio mode in the Claude Desktop configuration — ideal for scenarios with stricter security requirements.

Summary

MCP evolves AI from "knowing" to "doing." The combination of GroundAPI + MCP gives your AI assistant the ability to perceive the real world in real time.