Food delivery rider Wang Jibing wins China's top literary prize

Wang Jibing, a factory worker from the industrial city of Dongguan, has emerged as one of a growing cohort of blue‑collar Chinese laborers whose literary output is attracting national attention. His debut collection of short stories, “Shift Hours,” was published earlier this year by a small independent press and quickly garnered praise for its vivid portrayal of daily life on the production line, earning a spot on the shortlist for the 2024 China Youth Literature Prize.

The rising profile of Wang and peers such as construction worker Li Meng and railway technician Zhou Yan reflects a broader shift in China’s cultural landscape, where publishing houses and literary festivals are increasingly seeking voices from the working class. Analysts note that the trend is facilitated by digital platforms that allow laborers to share writings online, leading to greater visibility and occasional mainstream publication. As these workers’ narratives reach wider audiences, they contribute to a more diversified literary canon and offer insight into the experiences of China’s manufacturing sector.