Delivery Work Turns Into Award Winning Literature
A food delivery rider in China has won one of the country’s highest literary honours after publishing a poetry collection inspired by everyday life on the job. Wang Jibing received the prestigious Lu Xun Literary Prize for his book Low Flight, proving that powerful stories can come from ordinary experiences.
The award celebrates his ability to capture the emotions, struggles, and hopes of delivery workers through simple but meaningful poetry. His achievement has also drawn attention to the growing number of blue collar workers making an impact in China’s literary world.
A Journey Filled With Hard Work and Determination
Wang Jibing, 56, began working as a food delivery rider in 2019 after spending years doing different jobs to support himself. He worked in construction, collected recyclable waste, and sold goods at street stalls before joining the delivery industry.
Although life was difficult, Wang never gave up his passion for reading and writing. Over the years, he shared poems and essays on social media, slowly building a loyal audience that appreciated his honest storytelling.
His writing reflects real life instead of fiction. As a result, many readers connected with his experiences and supported his work.
Viral Poem Opened New Opportunities
In 2022, Wang gained widespread attention after one of his poems, Man in a Hurry, became popular online. The poem came from a frustrating delivery experience when a customer entered the wrong address, forcing him to spend several extra hours completing the order.
The success of that poem encouraged him to continue writing. In 2023, he published his first poetry collection, Man in a Hurry: Poems of a Food Delivery Rider, which received positive reviews from readers across China.
Low Flight Wins the Lu Xun Literary Prize
Wang’s latest collection, Low Flight, earned him the Lu Xun Literary Prize, one of China’s most respected literary awards. The book was published in 2024 and includes poems based on interviews and conversations with nearly 200 delivery riders.
Instead of focusing only on his own experiences, Wang highlighted the challenges faced by thousands of workers in the country’s growing gig economy. His poems explore themes such as responsibility, pressure, perseverance, and hope.
One memorable line from the collection reads:
“Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying.”
The message reflects the dignity and value of ordinary working people.
Staying Grounded Despite National Recognition
After receiving the award, Wang admitted he felt nervous while waiting for the announcement because of the attention surrounding his work. However, he said winning the prize would not change the way he lives.
He also confirmed that he plans to continue working as a food delivery rider until he turns 60. According to Wang, he enjoys the work, stays active through it, and values living a simple life more than fame.
Blue Collar Writers Continue to Gain Recognition
Wang’s success highlights a growing trend in China where factory workers, delivery riders, and other blue collar employees are earning recognition through literature. Their writing offers readers a closer look at the realities of working life while giving a voice to people whose stories often go unheard.
His achievement shows that talent can come from any profession and that everyday experiences can inspire meaningful literature.
