Delivery Rider Wang Jibing Wins China's Top Literary Prize

Food delivery worker Wang Jibing has achieved significant acclaim by winning one of China’s most prestigious literary honours, the Lu Xun Literary Prize. His winning collection, titled Low Flight, captures the daily struggles and aspirations of gig economy workers, offering a poignant look at life in contemporary China.

Wang, a 56-year-old delivery rider since 2019, spent decades working various jobs ranging from construction to manual labor. He began documenting his experiences in poetry and essays on social media over the last decade, eventually gaining widespread attention with his viral 2022 poem, Man in a Hurry. His work serves as a literary bridge between the harsh realities of blue-collar employment and the creative expression of the working class.

The recognition of Wang’s work arrives amid a growing movement of blue-collar writers in China who share authentic, lived experiences through prose and verse. Despite the national attention, Wang has expressed his commitment to staying grounded, intending to continue his current role for the foreseeable future. His success mirrors a broader trend where traditional literature is increasingly finding space for voices from the gig economy, resonating deeply with readers facing similar professional pressures.