“I Deliver Parcels in Beijing”: Chinese literary sensation reaches U.S.

“I Deliver Parcels in Beijing”: Chinese Literary Sensation Reaches U.S.

Hu Anyan, a former courier, wrote a best-selling memoir about the demanding job of delivering packages. The book reveals his life experiences, thoughts on technology, and the future of work.

Varied Work Experience Across China

Hu, 46, has had 19 different jobs in six Chinese cities, including selling bicycles, running a clothing store, working in a bakery, producing 3D architectural renderings, and doing night shifts at a logistics warehouse before becoming a courier. He shares these experiences in I Deliver Parcels in Beijing.

Authentic Storytelling with Humor

An avid reader, Hu writes in a straightforward style, describing encounters with abusive managers, angry customers, and sprawling residential developments with vivid, humorous details.

Book’s Success and Cultural Impact

Published in 2023, the book quickly became a bestseller in China. It resonated with readers who connected with the harsh realities of the millions of couriers sustaining the country’s efficient e-commerce industry, where workers are often seen as replaceable. Many readers also related to themes of economic insecurity, limited social mobility, unemployment, and monotonous work.

English Translation and Interview

The English edition, translated by Jack Hargreaves, is set to launch soon. Hu discussed his literary path, the possible automation of couriers, and his hopes for American readers in an interview with Rest of World. The following excerpt is from that conversation:

“How did you start writing and how did the book come about? Around 2009, I was running a women’s clothing store in Nanjing, a painful job.”

Author’s summary: Hu Anyan’s memoir blends honest storytelling and humor, shedding light on the tough realities faced by couriers and the working class in China’s fast-paced economy.

Rest of World — 2025-11-04