From Delivery to Literary Fame: Rider's Poems Soar to China's Top Prize

Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery rider from China, has recently won one of the country's most prestigious literary awards, the Lu Xun Literary Prize. Wang's journey to this achievement is both inspiring and unique. For years, he worked various odd jobs to support himself, including construction, scavenging, and selling goods at a street stall. In 2019, he became a food delivery rider, a job that would later inspire much of his writing. Despite his busy work life, Wang never lost his passion for reading and writing. He began posting his poems and essays on social media, where they gradually gained attention.

Wang's poetry is deeply rooted in his experiences as a delivery rider. He often wrote his poems on scraps of paper during his breaks, capturing the everyday struggles and small victories of people working in China's gig economy. His collection, Low Flight, draws from interviews and surveys he conducted with around 200 other delivery riders. The poems reflect the challenges, hopes, and dreams of these workers, offering readers a rare glimpse into their world. One of his most famous lines is, 'Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying. ' This line speaks to the idea that even ordinary people can achieve something meaningful.

Wang's work is part of a larger trend in China, where more blue-collar workers are being recognized for their literary talents. Books like I Deliver Parcels in Beijing and essays such as I am Fan Yusu have also gained popularity, showing that stories from everyday workers resonate with many people. The Lu Xun Literary Prize, named after one of China's most important writers, is a significant honor. Wang says that winning the award has brought him a lot of attention and some pressure, but he has no plans to quit his job. He enjoys the work and believes it keeps him grounded. Wang's story is a powerful reminder that talent can be found in unexpected places, and that everyone's life has value and meaning.