China ‘delivery rider poet’ known for writing verses on scrap paper wins elite literature prize
After winning China’s prestigious Lu Xun Literary Prize, grass roots delivery rider and poet Wang Jibing expressed his intention to continue delivering food, describing himself as “a river that quietly flows.” Wang, 57, widely known as the “delivery rider poet”, won the elite literature prize in the poetry category for his third collection, Low Flight. The Lu Xun Literary Prize, named after one…
Chinese delivery rider poet Wang Jibing, 57, has been awarded the esteemed Lu Xun Literary Prize, recognizing his third poetry collection, Low Flight. Known as the "delivery rider poet", Wang has been delivering food for eight years in Kunshan City, Jiangsu province, while simultaneously writing verses on social media, which have gained him recognition.
His poems often depict the experiences of gig workers, including the struggles and mundane details of their daily lives. The Lu Xun Literary Prize, established in 1996, is one of China's most respected literary awards, given every four years. Previous winners include renowned Chinese writers such as Shi Tiesheng, Bi Feiyu, and Chi Li.
Wang's work has resonated with readers, with one commenter praising his honest and down-to-earth portrayal of ordinary people's lives. Following his award, Wang expressed his intention to continue his delivery work, emphasizing that literature is not a means to escape life. He also addressed claims that he had no outcome before his fame, stating that those two decades were enriching and did not change him.
Wang's writing, characterized by its simplicity and rawness, often reflects on small, everyday details, such as the story of his severed little finger which he now uses as a hook.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
