May 30, 2026, 10:45 PM EDT. China's delivery drivers, numbering over 10 million, endure punishing hours amid a fierce price war between giants Meituan and Alibaba. Mu Jie, a Beijing driver, works up to 13 hours delivering groceries, earning roughly $1.20 per order, highlighting pressures from oversaturated labor markets and thin margins in the gig economy. The sector boomed post-COVID-19 with soaring demand for instant delivery, but intense competition has driven down pay and increased workload. The industry draws many migrant workers and unemployed graduates, reflecting broader economic strains and youth unemployment reaching 17%. Drivers face unsafe and exhausting conditions to sustain their livelihoods, raising concerns about sustainability in China's fast-growing delivery market.
