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

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

Hu Anyan, a former courier turned writer, gained national fame with his memoir I Deliver Parcels in Beijing, a vivid account of his years working various jobs across China. His story now reaches English-speaking readers with the upcoming translation by Jack Hargreaves.

A Life on the Move

Over the years, Hu has worked in 19 different positions across six cities — from selling bicycles and managing a clothing store to working night shifts in logistics and creating 3D architectural renderings. His eventual job as a courier in Beijing gave rise to the book’s title and central theme.

Writing from Experience

An enthusiastic reader, Hu documents the hardships of delivery work — irate customers, demanding supervisors, and vast residential zones that test endurance. His writing balances realism and humor, capturing both frustration and humanity in China’s bustling logistics world.

“Readers connected with my story because it reflects what many in China face — uncertainty, limited social mobility, and unrewarding work,” Hu said.

The Book’s Impact

Since its release in 2023, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing became a bestseller in China. It resonated with millions of workers fueling the nation’s fast-paced e-commerce sector, often at personal cost. Hu’s portrayal of ordinary lives under economic strain made the book both socially relevant and emotionally raw.

Reflections and Future Outlook

In a conversation with Rest of World, Hu discussed his evolving literary path and his thoughts on whether couriers may one day be replaced by automation. His hope for American readers is to better understand the challenges behind the convenience of fast delivery.

“Around 2009, I was running a women’s clothing store in Nanjing. It was a painful job,” he recalled, marking the beginning of his path toward writing.

Author’s Summary

Hu Anyan’s memoir transforms the tough realities of China’s delivery workforce into a universal reflection on labor, dignity, and personal perseverance.

Rest of World — 2025-11-04