In brief
Wang Jibing, who began delivering food in 2019, has quietly built a trove of poems that reflect the hardships of gig‑workers. His collection *Low Flight* was awarded the Lu Xun Literary Prize, bringing a blue‑collar voice into China’s literary spotlight. Despite the honor, Wang plans to keep riding until he turns 60, saying the award does not change his everyday work. His story illustrates how ordinary lives can resonate through poetry, exposing the pressure and resilience of China’s massive gig economy.
A collection of poems, many scribbled on slips of paper between deliveries, earned Wang Jibing, a 56‑year‑old food‑delivery rider, one of China’s top literary awards.
The book *Low Flight* – inspired by the everyday challenges of gig‑workers – secured the Lu Xun Literary Prize, named after the celebrated modern Chinese writer.
Wang began working for delivery services in 2019. Years earlier, he had shared poems and essays on social media, sparking viral interest in 2022 when his poem “Man in a Hurry” described a frustrating misdelivery that lasted hours.
Despite the prestige, Wang said he will not quit his job. “I want a down‑to‑earth life and the award will never change who I am,” he told the Global Times on 15 July.
Wang’s win reflects a growing trend: blue‑collar workers in China are increasingly seen in literary circles. Work like *I Deliver Parcels in Beijing* and essays such as *I am Fan Yusu* have gone viral, exposing the plight and aspirations of migrant laborers.
The Lu Xun Prize, a major literary award, has previously not publicly revealed its monetary figure, but it has been reported as 100,000 CNY (about $14,800) as of 2014.
The result shows how the voice of everyday workers can challenge and enrich national culture, turning the bustle of city streets into a resonant literary dialogue.
