# 继往开来

jì wǎng kāi lái

Build on the past to shape the future

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Continue what came before and open what comes next

**Traditional Chinese:** 繼往開來

**Register:** Positive · formal

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe a transition that preserves value while developing new directions.

Grand formal language; not every small update needs it.

## Understanding the expression

The expression joins inheritance with initiative. A generation or organization takes useful achievements from earlier work and creates conditions for what follows. It often appears in speeches about leadership, culture, and long-term development. The balance matters: merely repeating the past does not open the future, while discarding everything loses continuity. A concrete sentence can show which contribution is preserved and what new direction gives the transition substance beyond ceremonial praise.

## Examples

新团队继往开来，保留传统也改进流程。

### Traditional Chinese

新團隊繼往開來，保留傳統也改進流程。

xīn tuán duì jì wǎng kāi lái ， bǎo liú chuán tǒng yě gǎi jìn liú chéng 。

The new team builds on tradition while improving processes.

展览以继往开来为主题。

### Traditional Chinese

展覽以繼往開來為主題。

zhǎn lǎn yǐ jì wǎng kāi lái wéi zhǔ tí 。

The exhibition explores continuity and future development.

她希望这所学校继往开来。

### Traditional Chinese

她希望這所學校繼往開來。

tā xī wàng zhè suǒ xué xiào jì wǎng kāi lái 。

She hopes the school builds on its past toward the future.

这代工匠继往开来，发展了新的技法。

### Traditional Chinese

這代工匠繼往開來，發展了新的技法。

zhè dài gōng jiàng jì wǎng kāi lái ， fā zhǎn le xīn de jì fǎ 。

These craftspeople extend inherited skills with new techniques.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%B9%BC%E5%BE%80%E9%96%8B%E4%BE%86)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=604&webMd=1&la=0)

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