Delivery Rider's Poems Win Top Chinese Literary Award

A collection of poems inspired by the lives of food delivery riders has earned Wang Jibing one of China's highest literary honours, the Lu Xun Literary Prize. Wang, who began working as a delivery rider around 2019, gained a following on social media for his writings that offer insight into the pressures of China's gig economy. His collection, 'Low Flight,' published in 2024, is based on interviews with approximately 200 delivery personnel.

Despite the prestigious award, the 56-year-old has expressed no intention of quitting his job, stating he plans to work until age 60. Wang feels financially secure but enjoys the 'vibe' of his work and its health benefits, asserting that the award will not change his down-to-earth perspective. His literary success mirrors that of other blue-collar workers in China, including courier Hu Anyan, whose memoir became a bestseller.