兴起 (xīng qǐ) is a verb meaning 'to rise up', 'to emerge', or 'to gain momentum'—especially when describing the appearance and growth of a trend, movement, idea, or activity. The first character 兴 (xīng) means 'to rise', 'to prosper', or 'to become active', while 起 (qǐ) means 'to rise', 'to start', or 'to begin'. Together, they emphasize the dynamic onset and upward development of something new or previously dormant.

This word is commonly used in formal or written Chinese to describe social, cultural, technological, or economic phenomena—such as the rise of online education, environmental awareness, or local food movements. It often appears with subjects like 新风 (new customs), 热潮 (a wave/trend), or 运动 (a movement). Unlike colloquial verbs like 出现 (to appear) or 开始 (to begin), 兴起 carries a sense of collective energy and sustained growth, not just a one-time occurrence.