Delivery Driver Poet Wins China's Top Literary Prize

Delivery driver Wang Jibing, known as the “delivery poet,” has won China’s top literary prize, the Lu Xun Literature Prize, for his poetry collection Low Altitude Flight. The award, given every four years by the China Writers Association, recognizes outstanding contributions to Chinese literature and is among the nation’s most prestigious honors. Wang, 56, received the prize in the poetry category, marking a historic moment for a non-professional writer whose work reflects the lives and struggles of China’s working class. Wang has spent eight years delivering goods in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, while simultaneously composing poetry. During this time, he has written over 5,000 poems, many inspired by the daily experiences of delivery workers and other members of the working class. He has traveled approximately 100,000 miles on his deliveries, using these journeys as both a livelihood and a muse. His work captures the quiet dignity of laborers, particularly those in China’s rapidly expanding gig economy, which employs around 10 million people. His poetry often explores themes of perseverance, hope, and the importance of maintaining passion despite life’s inevitable disappointments. Low Altitude Flight, Wang’s third published poetry collection, continues this tradition. In one of its poems, he writes, “Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying.” This sentiment echoes throughout his work, emphasizing the value of modesty and resilience. Wang has described his writing as a way to amplify the voices of ordinary people, stating, “I believe the greatest value of writing may not be limited to expressing one’s own inner self, but being able to speak out for others.” To ensure authenticity in his portrayal of delivery workers, Wang conducted interviews with more than 140 individuals before compiling Low Altitude Flight. These conversations helped him better understand the challenges and triumphs of those working in the industry. He told China Media Publishers’ Daily that he longs to contribute meaningfully through his writing, believing that literature can serve as a bridge between different social groups. Despite winning the prestigious Lu Xun Prize, Wang has stated that his lifestyle and values remain unchanged. He plans to continue working as a delivery driver until he reaches the age of 60, explaining that although he does not rely on the income for survival, he enjoys the physical activity and sense of purpose the job provides. “I want to live a down-to-earth life,” he said, adding that the award will not alter his identity or his commitment to documenting the lives of everyday people. Wang’s earlier poetry collections were titled The Person in a Hurry and I Clumsily Love This World, reflecting his ongoing exploration of the complexities of modern life. His work resonates with many in China, offering a rare glimpse into the lived experiences of those often overlooked in mainstream narratives. The Lu Xun Literature Prize, named after the revered modern Chinese writer Lu Xun, has historically favored established authors. However, Wang’s win represents a shift toward recognizing the creative potential of individuals outside traditional literary circles. While the exact monetary value of this year’s prize has not been disclosed, the 2014 edition awarded 100,000 yuan ($14,800). Newsweek has contacted the China Writers Association for further details.