Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery rider, has been awarded China's esteemed Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection, 'Low Flight'. The accolade, named after a writer considered the father of modern Chinese literature, recognises Wang's work which draws heavily on the everyday challenges and pressures experienced by delivery riders within China's expansive gig economy. Many of the poems were reportedly penned on scraps of paper during breaks between deliveries.
Wang, who began working as a delivery rider around 2019, had already garnered a significant following on social media for his poignant poems and essays. His win places him at the forefront of a growing movement in China where blue-collar workers are receiving critical acclaim for their literary contributions. These works provide a raw and authentic insight into the realities of life for millions of individuals navigating the demanding landscape of the gig economy.
'Low Flight', published in 2024, is unique in its creation, having been inspired by interviews and surveys Wang conducted with approximately 200 fellow delivery riders. This collaborative approach underscores the collective experience he aims to convey. The prize brings considerable media attention, which Wang acknowledged to state media outlet Global Times on 15 July, stating he felt 'extremely nervous' but that 'everything was settled' once the news broke.
The journey to this prestigious award has been a challenging one for Wang. Born in Jiangsu province, he left school as a teenager due to financial hardship and held various odd jobs, including construction and waste scavenging, before becoming a deliveryman. Despite these difficulties, his passion for reading and writing endured, leading him to share his work online over the past decade. Notably, his 2022 poem 'Man in a Hurry', inspired by a frustrating delivery incident, went viral, leading to his first collection in 2023.
Despite the significant recognition, Wang has expressed no intention of leaving his delivery job, stating he plans to continue until he turns 60. He told Global Times that while he doesn't rely on the job financially, he enjoys the 'vibe' and finds it keeps him fit. This sentiment highlights a desire for a grounded existence, with Wang asserting that the award will not alter his fundamental identity. This trend of blue-collar literary success is not isolated, with other works like former courier Hu Anyan's memoir 'I Deliver Parcels in Beijing' and migrant worker Fan Yusu's autobiographical essay 'I am Fan Yusu' also achieving widespread recognition in recent years.