百废俱兴 (Bǎi fèi jù xīng)

Basic Info

• Chinese Idiom: 百废俱兴 (Bǎi fèi jù xīng)
• Pinyin: bǎi fèi jù xīng
• Literal meaning: “A hundred neglected things all rise/are revived.”
  (百 = a hundred / many; 废 = neglected or abandoned undertakings; 俱 = all / together; 兴 = to rise / be revived / flourish)

Also written as 百废具兴 (bǎi fèi jù xīng).

Figurative Definition

It describes a situation in which many previously neglected, abandoned, or ruined tasks and institutions are all being revived and flourishing again. It is the positive counterpart of “百废待兴” (a hundred things awaiting revival): the waiting is over – reconstruction is underway and succeeding.

It conveys renewal, good governance, and collective progress – a society, organization, or enterprise rising from neglect or decline into flourishing activity.

In short: everything that was neglected is now being built up and thriving.

Cultural & Historical Origin

This idiom comes from one of the most famous essays in Chinese literature – Record of Yueyang Tower (《岳阳楼记》) by the Northern Song Dynasty statesman and writer Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹, 989–1052):

“越明年，政通人和，百废具兴。”

“In the following year, government was smooth and the people were harmonious; a hundred neglected undertakings were all revived.”

Fan Zhongyan was describing the good governance of Teng Zijing (滕子京), who had been exiled to Yuezhou but had governed so well that the government ran smoothly, the people were content, and all neglected public works were restored. The phrase captures the ideal outcome of competent, caring leadership: when governance is good, society flourishes on every front.

Fan Zhongyan’s essay is also famous for its closing line: “先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐” (“Be the first to worry about the world’s troubles, and the last to enjoy its pleasures”) – one of the most quoted lines in Chinese political culture.

Key Lesson

Revival follows vision, effort, and good leadership. “百废俱兴” does not happen by accident – it is the result of clear priorities, competent administration, and collective hard work. The idiom teaches that decline is not permanent: with the right leadership and effort, what has fallen can rise again. It also sets a standard: good governance is measured not by grand speeches, but by whether neglected things are actually being rebuilt.

Cultural Note

In modern Chinese, “百废俱兴” is a positive, often formal idiom. It appears in:

• Political and historical writing – describing a nation or region recovering after war or upheaval.
• Economic commentary – describing an era of rapid reconstruction and growth.
• Organizational language – describing a company or institution that has been revitalized.
• Speeches and editorials – praising effective leadership and renewed prosperity.

It is directly paired with “百废待兴” (the state of awaiting revival) – together they describe the arc from neglect to renewal.

Similar English Expressions

• All neglected tasks are being revived – A direct literal equivalent.
• Everything is flourishing again – Emphasizing renewal and prosperity.
• A renaissance – A period of renewed life and activity.
• To rise from the ashes – To be reborn after destruction (more dramatic).
• To be back on its feet – To have recovered and be functioning again.
• A revival on all fronts – Emphasizing breadth of renewal.
• To turn things around – To reverse decline into success.
• A new lease on life – A fresh period of vitality after decline.

The closest natural equivalents are “all neglected tasks are being revived,” “everything is flourishing again,” and “a renaissance.”

In short, “百废俱兴” means a hundred neglected things all rising together – a vivid image of successful revival, and a reminder that good governance and collective effort can turn neglect into flourishing.