Wang Jibing, a 56‑year‑old food delivery rider from Jiangsu, has won China’s top literary honour – the Lu Xun Literary Prize – for a book of poems inspired by his daily routes.
His collection, titled Low Flight, gathers verses scribbled on slips of paper between deliveries and refined from interviews with about 200 fellow riders. The work emerged from a growing trend of blue‑collar writers whose voices highlight the pressures of China’s gig economy.
Beyond the literary triumph, Wang’s journey raises a question about the environmental impact of mass food delivery. City traffic, packaging waste and single‑use plastic bags from hourly deliveries contribute to urban carbon emissions. Riders like Wang illustrate the potential for a shift toward greener routes, the use of electric bikes, and reusable packaging – turning the gig economy into a more sustainable mobility model.
Wang told Global Times that he feels a surge of nervousness when the award was announced, yet he vows to keep riding until age 60. "Financially I do not need this job to earn a living, but love the vibe of the work and it keeps me fit," he said, keeping his work ethic intact while welcoming the recognition.
The award comes at a time when other excerpts from the same workforce, such as the bestselling memoir I Deliver Parcels in Beijing and the viral essay I am Fan Yusu, have brought the gig worker experience to international audiences. These voices not only influence cultural discourse but also hint at a future where sustainable practices and stories of resilience are intertwined.
