“Involution” refers intensive and irrational competitions in workplace, “lying flat” is the phenomenon in which individuals perform the bare minimum of work required for employment. This study investigates the life experience of Chinese Music Teachers (CMTs) participating in involutionary work activities, explores how they cope with involution by “lying flat.” In-depth interviews with 16 participants identified three stages of involutionary work activities engagement: involvement, conflict, and defense. CMTs employed three “lying flat” ways including evasive behaviors, emotional compensation, and swan strategy. Findings suggest that “lying flat” serves as a strategy for teachers to avoid burnout, providing insights into emerging buzzwords across various cultures. •The title-oriented teachers’ evaluation mechanism drives involution among teachers.•CMTs are affected by conflicts arising from subject competition, pedagogical research, musical skills, and teacher recruitment.•CMTs perceive “lying flat” as a defensive measure against involution.•When faced with competitions, CMTs resort to evasive behaviors, self-acceptance, and the swan strategy as means of “lying flat.”•“Lying flat” serves as a strategy for teachers to avoid burnout.