Food Delivery Worker Wins China's Top Lu Xun Literary Prize, Vows to Continue Working

Wang Jibing, a 56-year-old food delivery worker, has achieved a significant milestone by winning one of China's most esteemed literary awards, the Lu Xun Literary Prize, for his poetry collection "Low Flight." This marks a historic moment as Wang is the first person from a working-class background to receive an award traditionally bestowed upon professional authors.

The Lu Xun Literary Prize, awarded every four years, is a highly respected honor in China's literary circles. While the monetary value of the prize has not been disclosed, previous awards have been substantial. Wang began his career as a food delivery driver around 2019, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and those of his fellow workers.

His writings, which include poems and essays, have gained popularity, particularly on social media. A 2022 poem, "Man in a Hurry," went viral after detailing the frustration of losing work hours due to a customer providing an incorrect address. His latest award-winning collection, "Low Flight," published in 2024, is based on conversations with approximately 200 other delivery drivers.

Wang has stated his intention to continue working as a delivery driver until he turns 60. "I want to live a down-to-earth life, and the award will never change who I am. I will continue to write and share the life stories of ordinary people through literature," he declared. His victory has sparked widespread discussion in China, with cultural researcher Yu Jinlong telling the Global Times that Wang's win signifies a "historical change" in the country's literary landscape, finally giving a voice to the common person.

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I want to live a down-to-earth life, and the award will never change who I am. I will continue to write and share the life stories of ordinary people through literature.