“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 and author, wrote a bestselling memoir about the tough realities of delivering packages. Over his career, Hu held 19 different jobs in six Chinese cities, including selling bicycles, managing a clothing store, working in a bakery, creating 3D architectural renderings, and night shifts in a logistics warehouse, before becoming a courier.

In his book I Deliver Parcels in Beijing, Hu shares vivid and humorous stories of abusive managers, angry customers, and navigating large residential areas. The book, published in 2023, quickly became a bestseller in China, resonating with millions who understand the challenges faced by workers in the booming e-commerce sector.

Readers connected with Hu’s reflections on economic insecurity, shrinking social mobility, unemployment, and unsatisfying jobs. The English translation by Jack Hargreaves is set to launch in the U.S., offering insight into the lives of couriers and their uncertain futures amid advancing automation.

Interview Highlights

Hu began writing around 2009 while running a women's clothing store in Nanjing, describing it as a difficult role. He uses simple language filled with colorful details to recount his personal and professional experiences.

"I Deliver Parcels in Beijing" offers a candid look into the hardships and dignity of couriers powering China's ultra-efficient e-commerce industry.

Hu hopes American readers will gain a deeper understanding of the labor behind parcel delivery and the economic challenges workers face worldwide.

Author summary: Hu Anyan’s memoir sheds light on the demanding life of couriers in China’s e-commerce boom, highlighting resilience amid economic challenges and technological change.

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Rest of World Rest of World — 2025-11-04

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