Delivery Rider Wang Jibing Wins Lu Xun Literary Prize for Poetry

Wang Jibing, a 57-year-old food delivery rider from Kunshan City in Jiangsu province, has won the prestigious Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection Low Flight. Despite his newfound recognition, Wang intends to continue delivering food, describing his life as “a river that quietly flows.”

A Grassroots Poet with a Unique Voice

Wang, known as the “delivery rider poet,” began gaining attention in 2020 after sharing poems written on scraps of paper during breaks between deliveries. His verses vividly portray the struggles and resilience of China’s gig workers, offering a rare literary lens into the lives of those often overlooked.

One of his most celebrated works, People Who Rush Time, captures the relentless pace of gig work with lines like:
“Rushing wind out of air;
Rushing knife out of wind;
People who rush time have no seasons.”

Wang has been writing since 1988 and has published four poetry collections. In January, he also released his first essay collection, Chengzhen, named after his mother.

The Lu Xun Literary Prize: A Coveted Honor

The Lu Xun Literary Prize, established in 1996 and awarded every four years, is one of China’s most esteemed literary accolades. Named after the iconic modern writer Lu Xun, the prize has previously honored literary giants like Shi Tiesheng and Bi Feiyu. This year, 35 works across seven categories were recognized, placing Wang among the country’s literary elite.

Triumph Over Adversity

Wang’s journey to literary acclaim was far from easy. His passion for writing was so intense that it once affected his health, leading to hospitalizations. His father, disapproving of his obsession, burned manuscripts totaling over 200,000 characters. Yet, this act only deepened Wang’s resolve, prompting him to write in his notebook, “I will be a great writer.”

Far from seeing his years as a delivery rider as wasted, Wang likens them to “a heavy snow” that enriched his life and creative work.

Why It Matters

Wang’s story resonates as a powerful example of perseverance and the ability to find beauty in everyday struggles. His work not only elevates the voices of gig workers but also challenges conventional notions of who can achieve literary greatness in China.

Source: South China Morning Post