<p>Growth mindset research has predominantly focused on Western contexts, leaving its impact within collectivist Chinese settings relatively underexplored. This cross-sectional study investigated the serial mediation of gratitude, meaning in life, and hope in the relationship between growth and fixed mindsets and flourishing. Chinese participants (<i>N</i> = 557; 53.9% women) completed an online self-report survey that included the Dweck Mindset Instrument, Gratitude Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, State Hope Scale, and Flourishing Scale. Serial mediation analysis using PROCESS Model 6 revealed an inconsistent mediation pattern for growth mindset. Although a growth mindset had a negative direct effect on flourishing, it exerted a positive total effect by fostering adaptive psychological traits, specifically gratitude, meaning in life, and hope. However, this positive effect may be constrained by cultural contexts, such as the doctrine of the mean (<i>zhōng yōng zhī dào</i>) and collective achievement orientation, which may unconsciously diminish individuals’ hope and flourishing. Conversely, a fixed mindset may reduce flourishing by inhibiting gratitude, meaning in life, and hope. These findings highlight the essential role of emotional and cognitive traits in linking mindsets to well-being, aligning with broaden-and-build and self-determination theories. In collectivist cultures, a growth mindset may further enhance well-being by fostering self-cultivation and fulfillment of family obligations, while also helping individuals manage potential frustration arising from sustained effort and challenge.</p>