In recent years, the rise of food delivery services in China has provided employment for millions. Liu Chunyan, a 48-year-old delivery driver from a small town near Shanghai, initially found prosperity in this gig economy. However, as the market becomes saturated and competition intensifies, she now faces longer hours with diminishing returns. This article explores her daily routine and the challenges she encounters in an increasingly competitive industry.

Four years ago, when the pandemic spurred unprecedented demand for food delivery services, Liu saw an opportunity to improve her financial situation. Transitioning from factory work, where she earned modest wages assembling smartphone components and trimming wooden doors, Liu embraced the higher pay offered by Meituan, one of China's leading food delivery platforms. Initially, the income was promising; Liu even achieved her highest monthly earnings of over $1,500. This newfound prosperity fueled her hope of supporting her family and aging parents.

However, the landscape has changed dramatically. With more than two million additional drivers joining the workforce between 2021 and 2023, the average pay per order has decreased significantly. Drivers like Liu face relentless pressure to meet tight deadlines, often resorting to risky behaviors such as running red lights to avoid penalties. The emotional toll is evident; videos of distraught drivers have surfaced online, prompting government intervention to regulate the industry and provide better social security coverage.

Liu's typical day begins at 8:59 a.m., signing into the Meituan app, which deducts a small fee for daily insurance. Her first batch of deliveries consists of three orders, each carrying strict time constraints. A mere minute's delay can result in a substantial fine. Despite the physical demands—often climbing stairs due to limited elevator access—and multiple traffic accidents, Liu remains determined. By 10:15 a.m., she has completed five orders, earning just over $2.66.

After navigating through the lunch rush, Liu takes a brief respite, eating a simple meal of canned porridge. The job's demands mean that family meals are rare; even during major holidays, she must prioritize work. As the day progresses, technical issues with her scooter further complicate matters. Replacing a faulty connector costs nearly as much as delivering five orders. By 5:45 p.m., after nine grueling hours, Liu decides to call it a day, having made less than $18.

Faced with these mounting challenges, Liu has begun to reconsider her future in food delivery. She has enrolled in an online course to learn video production, hoping to find alternative ways to support herself and her family. Though uncertain about the outcome, Liu remains resilient, ready to explore new opportunities. Her story reflects the broader struggles of millions of gig workers in China's evolving economic landscape.