Courier-Poet Wang Jibing Wins Lu Xun Literature Prize

While delivering food in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, Wang Jibing, 56, finds moments to write poetry. His latest collection earned him the Lu Xun Literature Prize in the poetry category, China’s top literary award. Over eight years, Wang has written over 5,000 poems during his courier duties, traveling nearly 100,000 miles. His poetry focuses on the dignity and lives of the working class, earning him the title “delivery poet.”

‘Flying’ at a Low Altitude

“Low Altitude Flight,” Wang’s third collection, continues his exploration of blue-collar life, including for the 10 million in China’s gig economy. In one poem, he writes, “Who says spreading your wings means flying high? Flying low is also flying.” His poems don’t avoid life’s struggles but celebrate resilience, urging readers to continue following their passions. Wang states, “As the old saying goes, eight or nine out of 10 things in life will disappoint us. We are always losing something. Yet whatever else we lose, we must not lose our passions. Passions lead to faith, and faith gives us strength.”

He interviewed over 140 delivery workers to prepare for “Low Altitude Flight,” aiming to reflect the industry’s daily realities. Wang expressed his belief that writing’s value lies in speaking for others, as he told China Media Publishers’ Daily. “I long to do something meaningful,” he stated.

Despite the new recognition, Wang plans to remain unchanged by the accolades. “I want to live a down-to-earth life, and the award will never change who I am. I will keep writing and sharing ordinary people’s life stories through literature,” reported the Global Times.

Wang intends to keep working as a courier until he is 60, finding enjoyment and fitness in the job. “Financially, I don’t need to do this job to make a living, but I love the vibe of the work and it keeps me fit,” he explained. His earlier works include “The Person in a Hurry” and “I Clumsily Love This World.”

What Is the Lu Xun Literature Prize?

The Lu Xun Literature Prize is awarded every four years by the China Writers Association. It is a major honor in China for poetry, essays, literary criticism, translation, and short stories. Named after Lu Xun (1881-1936), a key figure in modern Chinese literature, it traditionally recognizes professional writers. The exact prize value this year is unknown, but the last reported figure was 100,000 yuan (about $14,800) in 2014. Newsweek contacted the China Writers Association for comments.