Blue-Collar Poet Earns Prestigious Literary Recognition

Constantvpn.com – A collection of verses composed on scrap paper during breaks between deliveries has secured Wang Jibing one of China’s most esteemed literary accolades. The compilation, titled Low Flight, draws inspiration from the routine obstacles encountered by courier workers across the nation. This achievement marks the Lu Xun Literary Prize, an honor bearing the name of a celebrated author frequently described as the founding figure of contemporary Chinese writing.

At fifty-six years old, Wang transitioned into food delivery work approximately five years ago. His written pieces gradually accumulated attention online, establishing him among a rising cohort of working-class creators whose literary contributions illuminate the demands of China’s expansive gig sector. Before this recognition, Wang endured several challenging decades performing various temporary positions.

I held my breath and felt extremely nervous… Once it was revealed, everything was settled.

Wang shared these sentiments with the Global Times on July 15, when the announcement of his victory emerged. He noted that the sudden spotlight generated considerable psychological strain during that period. While the cash prizes associated with the Lu Xun Literary Prize remain undisclosed to the public, records from 2014 indicate the amount reached 100,000 yuan, equivalent to roughly 14,800 dollars or 11,000 pounds.

Originally hailing from Jiangsu province, Wang departed formal education during his teenage years because of economic difficulties within his family. He subsequently pursued numerous occupations, ranging from building construction to collecting recyclable materials and operating a roadside vendor stall. His passion for literature never diminished, however, and throughout the past ten years he consistently shared original compositions on digital platforms.

One particular piece, called Man in a Hurry, achieved widespread popularity in 2022. The composition originated from an experience in 2019 when Wang spent an extended period dealing with a complicated drop-off after a recipient provided an incorrect location. The following year, he released his inaugural poetry anthology under the same title.

Financially I don’t need this job to make a living, but I love the vibe of the work and it keeps me fit.

Even with this distinguished accomplishment, Wang expressed no desire to abandon his profession, stating he intends to continue delivering until reaching sixty years of age. He emphasized that the recognition would not alter his fundamental character or lifestyle preferences.

Low Flight, released in 2024, features verses developed through conversations and questionnaires conducted with approximately two hundred fellow couriers. One memorable line reads: “Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying.”

Wang’s success coincides with increased visibility for working-class voices in Chinese literature. Hu Anyan’s 2023 memoir, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing, achieved remarkable commercial success domestically and attracted international coverage, with an English edition appearing the following year. Additionally, Fan Yusu’s autobiographical narrative about a migrant worker’s journey captivated online audiences in 2017, generating such intense media interest that she temporarily relocated from her residence.

The Lu Xun Literary Prize honors the legacy of a writer widely regarded as among China’s finest twentieth-century authors, celebrated for employing satirical fiction to examine conventional societal structures. Lu Xun’s contributions continue resonating with younger readers, particularly through the Kong Yiji character from his novels, which recently became an internet phenomenon representing youthful disappointment regarding employment prospects.