Chinese delivery rider wins China’s top literary prize
A Chinese food delivery rider who spent years writing poetry between shifts has been awarded one of the country’s most prestigious literary honours, highlighting the growing recognition of working-class voices in Chinese literature.
Wang Jibing, 56, won the Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection Low Flight, a work inspired by the experiences, struggles and aspirations of food delivery riders navigating China’s vast gig economy.
The award marks a remarkable journey for Wang, who left school as a teenager due to financial difficulties and worked a series of jobs, including construction work, waste collection and street vending, before becoming a delivery rider around 2019.
Although he spent much of his life in manual labour, Wang continued reading and writing, often sharing poems and essays online. His writing gained national attention in 2022 when a poem titled Man in a Hurry went viral, resonating with many Chinese workers facing the pressures of modern urban life.
Reflecting on his latest achievement, Wang admitted he felt overwhelmed by the attention surrounding the award.
“I held my breath and felt extremely nervous… Once it was revealed, everything was settled,” he told China’s Global Times.
Despite receiving one of the country’s highest literary recognitions, Wang says he has no plans to abandon his delivery job.
“Financially I don’t need this job to make a living, but I love the vibe of the work and it keeps me fit,” he said. “I want a down-to-earth life and the award will never change who I am.”
Published in 2024, Low Flight draws on conversations and surveys conducted with about 200 delivery riders. Through the collection, Wang explores the realities of workers who often remain invisible despite playing a vital role in daily life.
His success reflects a broader trend in China, where books and essays written by couriers, migrant workers and other blue-collar employees have gained popularity in recent years, offering readers a rare window into the experiences of ordinary workers in a rapidly changing society.
Named after celebrated Chinese writer Lu Xun, the literary prize is among the country’s most respected awards and is regarded as a significant recognition of achievement in Chinese literature.
Source: BBC
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