Wang Jibing, a food delivery rider in China, has won the Lu Xun Literary Prize for his poetry collection "Low Flight," inspired by the daily challenges faced by delivery workers.

The 56-year-old Wang started working as a delivery rider around 2019 and gained popularity on social media for his poems and essays. He is part of a growing number of blue-collar workers in China being recognized for literary works that shed light on the pressures of the country's massive gig economy.

Speaking to state media Global Times on July 15, Wang said he was extremely nervous before the announcement. "I held my breath and felt extremely nervous… Once it was revealed, everything was settled," he said, adding that the media attention had created mental pressure.

The monetary award for the Lu Xun Literary Prize is not publicly disclosed, but in 2014 it stood at 100,000 Chinese yuan ($14,800). Despite winning, Wang said he has no plans to quit his job, stating he loves the work vibe and it keeps him fit.

Wang published his first poetry collection in 2023 and "Low Flight" in 2024, based on interviews with about 200 delivery riders. One of his lines reads: "Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying."

Source: www.bbc.co.uk