Delivery Rider’s Poetry Earns China’s Prestigious Literary Award

A poetry collection inspired by his experiences as a food delivery worker earned Wang Jibing, 56, one of China’s most esteemed literary accolades, the Lu Xun Literary Prize. “Low Flight,” published earlier this year, was crafted from verses Wang scribbled on paper between deliveries, capturing the daily struggles of China’s gig economy workforce.

Named after a revered figure in modern Chinese literature, the Lu Xun Prize recognizes Wang’s authentic portrayal of blue-collar life. Gaining recognition through social media, his work has amplified the voices of overlooked workers, cementing his role as a literary voice for the marginalized.

Wang transitioned to delivery riding around 2019. His poems and essays resonated widely, reaching audiences virtually. His writing, “Low Flight,” was recognized by the prize committee for its vivid depiction of the gig economy’s realities.

Now, blue-collar workers are increasingly celebrated for their contributions to literature. Recent works like “I Deliver Parcels in Beijing” by Hu Anyan and “I am Fan Yusu” by Fan Yusu have garnered attention, highlighting a cultural shift.

Wang, born in Jiangsu province, faced economic hardships that led him to leave school as a teenager. He undertook various jobs from construction to waste scavenging before becoming a delivery rider. Throughout, his passion for reading remained steadfast.

Song titled “Man in a Hurry,” went viral online in 2022, inspired by a frustrating delivery incident. In 2023, he published “Man in a Hurry: Poems of a Food Delivery Rider.”

Wang, winner of China’s top literary prize, intends to continue his delivery job until age 60. “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 shared in a Global Times interview.

Wang’s latest collection was published in 2024 and centers around insights gleaned from interviews and surveys with 200 delivery workers. One of the poems included, “Man in a Hurry”, reads: “Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying.”

Wang’s award signifies a growing trend in China where blue-collar workers’ stories become celebrated in the literary world.

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