In recent years, a growing number of young people in China have been embracing a lifestyle known as bai lan, or "let it rot." This term reflects a mindset of giving up on societal expectations and opting out of the traditional rat race. It follows the earlier "tang ping," or "lying flat," movement, where individuals chose minimalism and rejected overwork. The term bai lan, originally rooted in NBA culture, refers to the act of willingly stepping back from chasing certain goals after realizing they are simply too challenging to accomplish.
The trend of "rotting" among China's youth is a reaction to mounting societal pressures and economic challenges. This lifestyle reflects a conscious decision to give up on traditional success markers and societal expectations. below is a breakdown of the many possible causes for the popularity of this movement in China in the last few years.
1. Overwhelming Academic Pressure
China's education system is one of the most competitive in the world, and young people often face immense stress from a very young age.
Gaokao (University Entrance Exam): The gaokao, a grueling national exam that determines university placement, is notorious for its intensity. Students spend years in preparation, often sacrificing social lives and personal growth. For many, failing to excel can feel like a permanent setback, leaving them disillusioned and burned out.
Parental Expectations: Chinese parents often place immense pressure on their children to succeed academically, viewing education as the primary pathway to upward mobility. This high-stakes environment creates a "sink or swim" mentality.
Limited Spots at Elite Universities: With millions of students competing for a small number of spots at top-tier universities, many feel they are stuck in an unforgiving system that rewards only a select few.
For those who fail to meet these expectations, embracing "rotting" can be a way of rejecting the unrealistic demands placed on them.
2. Job Market Challenges and Economic Inequality
Even for those who excel academically, the transition to the workforce presents its own set of hurdles.
Hyper-Competitive Job Market: College graduates often find themselves competing for a shrinking pool of desirable jobs. A record-high 21.58 million students are expected to graduate in 2023, creating a surplus of educated job seekers. Many are left underemployed or working in jobs far below their qualifications.
Economic Slowdown: China's economy, while still growing, is facing challenges such as slower GDP growth, high youth unemployment (estimated at over 20% in 2023), and the effects of global economic uncertainties. This leaves many young people feeling pessimistic about their future prospects.
Rise of "Involution": A term that has gained popularity in China, involution (内卷, "nei juan") describes a situation where individuals are forced to work harder without achieving meaningful progress or rewards. Many workers feel trapped in a cycle of overwork and diminishing returns.
These economic pressures lead many young people to adopt "rotting" as a form of silent protest or a way to cope with the frustration of an unfair system.
3. High Living Costs and Unattainable Aspirations
Young Chinese people are increasingly finding it difficult to achieve traditional milestones of success, such as owning property, starting a family, or building a stable career.
Skyrocketing Housing Prices: In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, real estate prices have soared, making homeownership virtually unattainable for many young people. The high cost of living adds further strain.
Cultural Norms and Family Pressure: In Chinese culture, owning property and achieving financial stability are often prerequisites for marriage. Many young people feel unable to meet these expectations, leading to frustration and disengagement.
Delayed Life Milestones: As a result of these pressures, more young people are delaying marriage and parenthood, choosing instead to focus on their immediate personal needs or simply opting out of the system altogether.
The "rotting" mindset can be seen as a rejection of the societal narrative that links happiness and self-worth to material achievements.
4. Rebellion Against the “996” Work Culture
China's infamous "996" work culture—working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—has faced increasing backlash in recent years.
Exhaustion and Burnout: Many companies, particularly in tech and manufacturing, demand grueling work hours, leaving employees with little time or energy for personal pursuits. Burnout is rampant, leading workers to question whether such sacrifices are worth it.
Limited Rewards for Hard Work: Despite their efforts, many workers feel they are not adequately compensated. Stagnant wages, coupled with rising living costs, create a sense of futility.
Cultural Shift: Younger generations are increasingly unwilling to prioritize work over their well-being. They are challenging the older generation's emphasis on self-sacrifice and instead embracing a mindset of self-care and minimalism.
"Rotting" represents a rebellion against this toxic work culture, prioritizing mental health and personal contentment over relentless ambition.
5. Disillusionment with Social Mobility
The promise of upward mobility—a cornerstone of China's economic boom in previous decades—now feels out of reach for many.
Income Inequality: The wealth gap in China has widened significantly. Young people from middle- and lower-income families often feel that their chances of improving their socioeconomic status are slim.
Perceived Futility: With societal structures favoring the wealthy and well-connected, many feel that hard work and talent are no longer enough to succeed.
Generational Differences: Previous generations grew up in a time of rapid economic growth, where effort often translated into prosperity. Today’s youth face a much more stagnant and uncertain landscape.
Faced with these realities, "rotting" offers a way to disengage from what feels like an inherently unfair system.
6. Influence of Social Media and Pop Culture
Social media platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin (China’s TikTok) have amplified the "rotting" mindset, allowing young people to share their frustrations and form communities.
Collective Identity: Online forums provide spaces where individuals can commiserate and validate each other’s feelings of disillusionment, normalizing the choice to "rot."
Satirical Content: Memes, videos, and other content mocking societal pressures have become hugely popular, spreading awareness of movements like "bai lan" and "lying flat" (tang ping).
Cultural Heroes: The rise of minimalist lifestyles in pop culture—such as characters who reject societal norms—has also inspired young people to question traditional paths to success.
7. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic has accelerated disillusionment among China’s youth.
Isolation and Reflection: Lockdowns gave many young people time to reflect on their lives and question their priorities. This introspection often led to a reevaluation of societal norms.
Economic Fallout: The pandemic caused widespread economic uncertainty, disproportionately affecting younger workers. Layoffs and reduced opportunities have deepened feelings of hopelessness.
Mental Health Awareness: The pandemic also shone a spotlight on the importance of mental health, prompting many to prioritize their well-being over external achievements.
Chinese authorities have expressed concern over these movements, viewing them as potential threats to economic growth and social stability. Efforts are underway to address the underlying issues, such as implementing policies aimed at reducing work hours and promoting mental health awareness. Even President Xi Jinpig went on television asking their youth to abandon the bai lan way of life.
This shift among China's youth highlights a broader reevaluation of life priorities, emphasizing personal fulfillment over traditional societal expectations.
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In conclusion
The "rotting" phenomenon among Chinese youth is a multifaceted response to the immense academic, economic, and cultural pressures they face. It reflects a broader reevaluation of values, with the younger generation starting to prioritize personal fulfillment, their mental health and work-life balance that makes sense to them over the traditional markers of success. While it has sparked concern among older generations and the government, "rotting" highlights a growing demand for systemic change in China’s social and economic structures. Only the future will tell if that change is coming.
