Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery rider, has been awarded one of China's most esteemed literary honors, the Lu Xun Literary Prize, for his poetry collection titled "Low Flight." The collection draws inspiration from the daily challenges and realities faced by delivery riders in China's expansive gig economy.
Wang, who began working as a delivery rider around 2019, gained significant attention on social media for his poetry and essays that offered a window into the lives of blue-collar workers. "Low Flight," published in 2024, is the result of interviews and surveys Wang conducted with approximately 200 fellow delivery riders.
"Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying," reads a line from his poems, reflecting a sentiment of resilience within the working class.
This award highlights a broader trend in China, where blue-collar workers are increasingly gaining recognition for their literary contributions. Another notable example is Hu Anyan, whose 2023 memoir "I Deliver Parcels in Beijing," detailing his experiences as a courier, became a bestseller and garnered international attention. Similarly, the autobiographical essay "I am Fan Yusu" by a migrant worker resonated widely online in 2017.
Wang began his working life in his teenage years, leaving school due to financial difficulties. He has held various jobs, including construction and street vending, before becoming a food deliveryman. Despite his varied work history, his passion for reading and writing persisted. Over the past decade, he has shared his work on social media platforms.
A poem titled "Man in a Hurry," inspired by a challenging delivery experience in 2019, went viral in 2022. This led to the publication of his first poetry collection, "Man in a Hurry: Poems of a Food Delivery Rider," in 2023.
Despite the acclaim and the considerable media attention, Wang expressed that he has no intention of quitting his job. He stated to the Global Times on July 15 that the award has brought significant mental pressure but that he plans to continue working until he is 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," Wang said, emphasizing his desire for a down-to-earth life and asserting that the award would not change his identity.
The Lu Xun Literary Prize, named after a prominent Chinese writer often called the father of modern Chinese literature, does not publicly disclose monetary awards, though in 2014 it was reported to be 100,000 Chinese yuan (approximately $14,800 USD).