Food Delivery Rider Wins China's Top Literary Prize
The Facts
- Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery rider from Jiangsu Province, won the poetry award at the 9th Lu Xun Literary Prize on July 15 for his collection Low Flight, which draws on the experiences of workers in China's gig economy.
- The Lu Xun Literary Prize is organized by the China Writers Association and awarded every four years. Named after Lu Xun, widely regarded as the father of modern Chinese literature, it's considered one of China's highest literary honors.
- Wang left school at 14 due to financial hardship and worked in construction, scavenged for recyclable waste and sold goods at street stalls before becoming a food delivery rider around 2019. He has written more than 6,000 poems over his lifetime.
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The Spin
Narrative A
Wang Jibing's Lu Xun Literary Prize win is a landmark moment for working-class voices in Chinese literature, proving that great writing doesn't require elite credentials. His collection Low Flight grew from interviewing over 140 fellow delivery riders, giving millions of gig workers a seat at the table of national cultural prestige. This is proof that literature rooted in labor and lived experience belongs at the very top.
Narrative B
Wang Jibing's victory marks a significant milestone in the literary world. He has been awarded the prestigious Lu Xun Literary Prize, which is usually given to well-established writers, making his accomplishment truly exceptional. His work sheds light on the challenges faced by blue-collar workers in China's gig economy. Despite his recent recognition, he continues to lead a modest lifestyle, which reflects his dedication to authenticity and connection with the community.
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