I Deliver Parcels in Beijing: Chinese Literary Sensation Reaches U.S.
Hu Anyan, a former courier and author, shares insights on life, technology, and the evolving future of work. Over his career, Hu has held 19 different jobs in six Chinese cities, including selling bicycles, managing a clothing store, working in a bakery, creating 3D architectural renderings, doing night shifts in a logistics warehouse, and eventually delivering packages.
At 46, Hu documented these varied experiences in his memoir-style book, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing. A passionate reader, he vividly recounts encounters with abusive managers, angry customers, and vast residential areas, combining casual language with humor and colorful details.
Published in 2023, the book became a bestseller in China. It resonated with readers through its stories about millions of couriers underpinning the country's highly efficient e-commerce sector, which often treats workers as disposable. Many also identified with Hu’s reflections on economic instability, limited social mobility, unemployment, and unsatisfying work.
Before the release of the English translation by Jack Hargreaves, Hu spoke with Rest of World about his literary path, thoughts on automation’s impact on couriers, and what American readers might gain from his book. The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
How did you start writing and how did the book come about?
"[translate: Around 2009, I was running a women’s clothing store in Nanjing, a painful job.]”
"I wanted to express the realities of daily workers like myself — the struggles, the unpredictability, and small moments of humor," Hu explained.
His candid storytelling offers an intimate window into the challenging lives behind China's booming online retail success and reflects broader social issues.
Author’s summary: Hu Anyan’s memoir reveals the tough but humorous realities of courier life in China, highlighting economic challenges and social change through personal stories.
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