This study explores the impact of family business succession on corporate ESG behavior, focusing on how decision-making changes during inter-generational transitions. It specifically assesses the influence of second-generation participation in family-owned enterprises on their ESG practices. The findings reveal a more pronounced effect in firms with high marketization and overseas exposure. This research underscores the intertwined nature of inter-generational succession and strategic decision-making in Chinese family businesses, highlighting the importance of studying ESG behavior to understand these dynamics.