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Food delivery driver, 56, wins major Chinese literary award for poetry

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A 56-year-old food delivery driver, Wang Jibing, has won China's prestigious Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection.
  • The collection, "Vuelo raso" (Low Flight), draws inspiration from the daily struggles of delivery workers.
  • Despite the award, Wang intends to continue his delivery work, valuing its routine and the physical activity it provides.

Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery driver, has achieved a significant literary honor in China, winning the Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection, "Vuelo raso." Some of the poems in the collection were reportedly jotted down on scraps of paper between deliveries, highlighting the author's dedication amidst his demanding job.

The prize, named after a foundational figure in modern Chinese literature, recognizes "Vuelo raso" for its poignant portrayal of the daily challenges faced by delivery workers. Wang, who began his delivery career around 2019, had previously gained online recognition for his poems and essays, becoming part of a growing movement of blue-collar workers whose literary works are receiving acclaim.

I held my breath and felt extremely nervous… Once the result was announced, I felt like a weight had been lifted.

— Wang JibingWang Jibing describing his feelings upon winning the Lu Xun Literary Prize.

This award marks a significant moment for Wang, who has experienced decades of precarious employment. He described feeling nervous before the announcement but relieved afterward. The Lu Xun Literary Prize, while its exact monetary value isn't publicly disclosed, was reported to be around 100,000 Chinese yuan (approximately $14,800 USD) in 2014.

From an economic point of view, I don't need this job to make a living, but I like the environment it provides and it keeps me in shape.

— Wang JibingWang Jibing explaining his reasons for continuing to work as a delivery driver after winning the literary award.

Born in Jiangsu province, Wang left school early due to family financial difficulties and has held various jobs, including construction and waste collection. His passion for reading persisted, leading him to share his writings online over the past decade. A 2022 poem, "Un hombre con prisa" (A Man in a Hurry), inspired by a difficult delivery experience, went viral.

Despite the prestigious award, Wang stated his intention to continue working as a delivery driver until he turns 60. He finds value in the job's environment and the physical fitness it offers, emphasizing his desire to maintain a simple, grounded life. "The award will never change who I am," he asserted.

I want to live a simple and down-to-earth life, and the award will never change who I am.

— Wang JibingWang Jibing expressing his commitment to his values despite his newfound literary fame.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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