From Deliveryman to Bestselling Author: The Rise of Hu Anyan
In an era where social media amplifies everyday stories, Hu Anyan, a 32-year-old Beijing courier, has defied expectations. His heartfelt essays about life as a delivery driver in China’s capital resonated with millions, turning his book, I Deliver, Therefore I Am, into a bestseller and spotlighting the realities of gig workers.
Hu Anyan’s Unlikely Path: Parcels, Prose, and Passion
Hu never planned to be a writer. For years, he braved Beijing’s hectic streets, delivering packages under relentless deadlines. What set him apart was his habit of recording his experiences—jotting down moments of human connection, fatigue, and small triumphs during breaks.
“I wrote to understand my own life,” Hu shared in an interview. “The kindness, loneliness, and tiny victories—they deserved to be remembered.”
His raw, relatable posts on Weibo and Douyin (China’s TikTok) went viral, revealing the unseen emotional labor behind China’s delivery boom.
The Essay That Launched a Literary Career
In 2022, Hu’s essay A Rainy Day in Beijing—a touching account of an elderly woman offering him tea after a delivery—was shared over a million times. Critics hailed his talent for turning ordinary encounters into profound narratives.
Publishers scrambled to sign him. His debut book, I Deliver, Therefore I Am, sold out instantly, drawing comparisons to working-class icons like Japan’s Akira Toriyama or America’s Charles Bukowski.
Why Hu Anyan’s Story Strikes a Chord
Hu’s rise reflects a cultural shift in China. As economic pressures mount, audiences crave authentic stories about ordinary lives. His writing exposes the harsh realities of waimai (delivery) work—long hours, low pay, and the grind of customer ratings.
“Hu’s authenticity cuts through the noise of curated content,” says critic Li Wei. “People hunger for truth.”
What’s Next for Hu Anyan?
Despite fame, Hu still delivers packages. “Writing is my passion, but deliveries pay the bills,” he admits. Now recognized by customers, he’s drafting a second book while inspiring other blue-collar workers to share their stories.
A Symbol of Resilience and Hope
Hu’s journey from courier to author underscores a powerful truth: extraordinary voices often emerge from humble places. In a world fixated on status, his success celebrates the power of lived experience.
As a fan aptly posted: “Hu Anyan didn’t just deliver parcels—he delivered humanity.”
—NextMinuteNews
