Food Delivery Rider Wins China’s Top Literary Prize
Wang Jibing, a food delivery rider, wins China's prestigious literary award, highlighting the rise of blue-collar workers in Chinese literature.
POLICY WIRE — Beijing, China — Wang Jibing, a food delivery rider, has been awarded China’s top literary prize, the Mao Dun Literature Prize. This recognition underscores the growing prominence of blue-collar workers in Chinese literary circles.
Wang’s winning work, a novel that delves into the lives of ordinary workers, was selected from a pool of 114 entries. The Mao Dun Literature Prize, established in 1982, is one of China’s most prestigious literary awards and is given biennially.
“This award is not just a personal honor, but a recognition of the stories and struggles of countless workers,” Wang said in his acceptance speech. “Our lives, though seemingly ordinary, are rich with narratives that deserve to be told.”
The selection committee highlighted Wang’s authentic portrayal of working-class life and his ability to capture the essence of their daily struggles and triumphs. “Wang Jibing’s work offers a rare and valuable perspective on the lives of blue-collar workers in contemporary China,” said committee chair Li Yan.
This win comes amid a broader trend of blue-collar workers gaining attention for their literary contributions in China. Several other workers have published acclaimed works in recent years, reflecting a shift in the literary landscape.
The Mao Dun Literature Prize carries a cash award of 100,000 yuan (approximately $15,000) and significant prestige within the literary community. Previous winners include some of China’s most celebrated authors.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
