A Beijing Courier's Tale: The Unlikely Bestseller Who Spoke Out Against China's Gig Economy
Hu Anyan, 47, is not your typical bestseller. A former courier in Beijing who has had 19 jobs in 20 years, his memoir I Deliver Parcels in Beijing chronicles the gruelling world of gig work in modern China.
As a courier, Hu was tasked with delivering parcels to construction sites, often under challenging conditions. His days were filled with waiting for customers who would try on items and then repackaged them on the spot, while also dealing with missing parcels that required compensation. Despite the long hours and financial strain, Hu continued to work diligently, earning just 17p per delivery.
The memoir offers a glimpse into the precarious life of gig workers in China, where jobs are often short-lived due to burnout or frustration. Hu recounts working for companies producing 3D architectural renderings, rear-view car cameras, and business cards, as well as experiencing firsthand the "996" shift culture, which demands employees work long hours without overtime pay.
However, it was not until a blog post about his courier experiences went viral in 2020 that Hu found success as an author. His book has since become a bestseller in China, praised for its unsparing depiction of the realities of life in the gig economy.
Hu's writing style is authentic and sincere, reflecting his desire to share his story without seeking to achieve something grand. His earnings from the book are modest, but he remains committed to his writing, now working full-time as a writer with his wife, also a writer.
I Deliver Parcels in Beijing has resonated with readers beyond China, particularly those struggling with the pressures of modern work culture. Hu's account humanises the often-overlooked lives of gig workers and sheds light on the struggles they face.
The book is more than just an isolated tale from a distant land; it offers a nuanced exploration of universal themes such as dignity, freedom, and the human condition. By sharing his story, Hu has created a space for readers to connect with one another, fostering greater understanding and empathy.
Through his writing, Hu pays tribute to authors like Virginia Woolf and Laetitia Pilkington, whose stories of resilience and love in the face of adversity inspire him. The book's conclusion is a poignant reflection on the power of love amidst hardship and the importance of finding joy in life's struggles.
As we navigate our own complex work cultures, Hu's memoir offers a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who have been overlooked or underrepresented. It serves as a reminder that everyone has a story worth telling, one that can offer comfort, hope, and inspiration to those who feel lost or uncertain about their place in the world.
Hu Anyan, 47, is not your typical bestseller. A former courier in Beijing who has had 19 jobs in 20 years, his memoir I Deliver Parcels in Beijing chronicles the gruelling world of gig work in modern China.
As a courier, Hu was tasked with delivering parcels to construction sites, often under challenging conditions. His days were filled with waiting for customers who would try on items and then repackaged them on the spot, while also dealing with missing parcels that required compensation. Despite the long hours and financial strain, Hu continued to work diligently, earning just 17p per delivery.
The memoir offers a glimpse into the precarious life of gig workers in China, where jobs are often short-lived due to burnout or frustration. Hu recounts working for companies producing 3D architectural renderings, rear-view car cameras, and business cards, as well as experiencing firsthand the "996" shift culture, which demands employees work long hours without overtime pay.
However, it was not until a blog post about his courier experiences went viral in 2020 that Hu found success as an author. His book has since become a bestseller in China, praised for its unsparing depiction of the realities of life in the gig economy.
Hu's writing style is authentic and sincere, reflecting his desire to share his story without seeking to achieve something grand. His earnings from the book are modest, but he remains committed to his writing, now working full-time as a writer with his wife, also a writer.
I Deliver Parcels in Beijing has resonated with readers beyond China, particularly those struggling with the pressures of modern work culture. Hu's account humanises the often-overlooked lives of gig workers and sheds light on the struggles they face.
The book is more than just an isolated tale from a distant land; it offers a nuanced exploration of universal themes such as dignity, freedom, and the human condition. By sharing his story, Hu has created a space for readers to connect with one another, fostering greater understanding and empathy.
Through his writing, Hu pays tribute to authors like Virginia Woolf and Laetitia Pilkington, whose stories of resilience and love in the face of adversity inspire him. The book's conclusion is a poignant reflection on the power of love amidst hardship and the importance of finding joy in life's struggles.
As we navigate our own complex work cultures, Hu's memoir offers a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary people who have been overlooked or underrepresented. It serves as a reminder that everyone has a story worth telling, one that can offer comfort, hope, and inspiration to those who feel lost or uncertain about their place in the world.
This guy Hu Anyan is like the ultimate unsung hero! I mean, who wouldn't want to write a bestselling book after years of struggling in the gig economy? The fact that his blog post went viral and he was able to share his story without seeking fame or fortune is truly inspiring. 
And that's what makes his memoir so powerful - it reminds us to appreciate the little things and find joy in life's struggles.
HE'S PROVING THAT EVEN THE MOST ORDINARY STORIES CAN BE EXTRAORDINARY IF TOLD FROM THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE. I MEAN, WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO READ ABOUT SOMEONE ELSE'S STRUGGLES AND TRIUMPHS? IT'S NOT JUST A BOOK ABOUT CHINA'S GIG ECONOMY, IT'S ABOUT PEOPLE, MAN! 
it's not just chinese workers who are burning out, it's a global problem. and another thing, 17p per delivery? that's not even enough to cover the cost of a decent cuppa 
️ huanyan's story might be inspiring for some, but for others, it's just another reminder of how exploitative the gig economy can be 
19 jobs in 20 years? That's crazy! 
Hu Anyan's story is a wake-up call for us all. I mean, who wants to work just 17p per delivery? 
The "996" shift culture is straight out of a horror movie – how can people keep going under those conditions? 
His book might be a bestseller in China, but it's a lot more than that – it's a humanising force that shows us the struggles of gig workers are real and relatable. 
. the stats on gig workers are wild too - in china, 60% of workers have multiple jobs just to make ends meet 
. and did you know that hu used to get paid just 17p per delivery? 
that's like, minimum wage or something! 
. btw, have you seen the chart on the gig economy in china? 
it's through the roof! 
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, i mean 17p per delivery is insane but his determination and resilience are truly admirable 
. this book is more than just a memoir it's a call to action for us all to support and uplift gig workers who deserve better 
let's keep spreading love and kindness in the comments below 
He must've had some rough days delivering parcels for all sorts of companies, from construction sites to businesses making business cards 
. And can you believe he only made 17p per delivery? 
Keep reading, guys! 
I gotta say, reading about Hu's journey from being a struggling courier to a bestselling author is super inspiring 
. I'm definitely gonna add his book to my reading list now 
hu anyan's book is more than just a bestseller, it's a movement 
his book is giving me all the feels, you know? it's like he's speaking straight to my soul about the struggles of gig workers in China 
what's even more inspiring is how he found success after going viral online 
anyone struggling with the pressures of modern work culture needs to read this book ASAP 
). He wrote it because he wanted to share his story, to make people understand the struggles of gig workers. It's not just about China, it's about us, our societies, and how we treat each other.
The ones who are working 996 shifts without any benefits or security? That's what Hu's book is all about. It's time we start listening to their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs.
. We need more of that in the world.
That's some crazy stuff right there! But what really gets me is how he spoke out against China's gig economy 
.
. And Hu Anyan's story is proof that even the most ordinary people can make an impact 
. It's all about spreading love, dignity, and hope through his words