Literary Award for Grassroots Poetry: The poetry of the delivery driver

A Chinese food delivery driver has won the prestigious Lu Xun Literature Prize for his poetry, marking a historic first for non-professional writers in the award’s long history. Wang Jibing, 56, received the honor for his collection Tiefflug (Deep Flight), which was published in 2024. The prize, awarded by the Chinese Writers Association, is named after Lu Xun, the founder of modern Chinese literature. This recognition highlights a growing movement in grassroots literature that gives voice to everyday people, particularly those working in the gig economy. Wang's journey into poetry began over a decade ago, with his texts initially shared on social media platforms. His 2022 poem Man in Rush went viral after describing his experience of wandering through the city for hours due to a misentered address. The poem later inspired a collection titled Poems of a Food Delivery Driver, released in 2023. Tiefflug, the work that earned him the Lu Xun Prize, is part of a 2024 anthology based on 200 interviews with fellow delivery workers, according to the BBC. The poems capture the physicality and rhythm of his job, reflecting both the challenges and dignity of life in the gig economy. The rise of grassroots literature in China represents a shift toward more authentic storytelling, focusing on the lives of ordinary individuals rather than grand narratives. Critics and readers alike have praised this trend, calling it a historical transformation in literary culture. These works are often described as documentary-style, capturing the realities of daily life with honesty and nuance. Unlike traditional literature, which often centers on elite experiences, this new wave emphasizes the voices of marginalized communities. Wang himself describes his work as a celebration of the unique brilliance found in everyday people. He once left school early due to financial hardship, worked as a garbage collector, construction worker, and street vendor before becoming a delivery driver. Despite these struggles, he finds joy in his current role, saying it keeps him physically active and mentally engaged. “I want to live a grounded life,” he told the BBC. “This award will never change who I am.” In one of his poems, he writes: “Who says spreading wings means flying high? Even deep flight is flying.” His success reflects broader changes in how literature is created and consumed in China. As digital platforms allow more people to share their stories, the boundaries between professional and amateur writers continue to blur. This shift has led to increased visibility for those working in precarious jobs, such as delivery drivers, whose labor underpins much of urban life. Their stories, once overlooked, are now being recognized as vital contributions to national discourse. As Wang continues his work, he remains committed to his roots. He plans to keep delivering food until he reaches retirement age at 60. For him, the Lu Xun Prize is not just an accolade but a validation of the value of lived experience. His poetry, rooted in the rhythms of daily life, offers a rare glimpse into the quiet resilience of those navigating the complexities of modern China.