Confident attitude delivers viral fame

From model workers and master craftsmen to factory hands and gig-economy workers, China's vast workforce is the bedrock of national development. Launched by the All-China Federation of Trade Unions, this series shines a spotlight on the responsibility and resilience of the modern Chinese working class, documenting their struggles and stories from the front lines to showcase the dedication, craftsmanship and pioneering spirit driving progress across every sector.

Liao Zemeng defines herself online as both a delivery rider born in 1995 and a true daughter of Chongqing. This description perfectly captures her vibrant personality.

Racing against time is the norm for Liao, who averages 30 deliveries and 100 kilometers on her motorbike daily, often exceeding 20,000 steps.

"It's naturally hard work," Liao said. "In Chongqing, I've dealt with malfunctioning GPS, late delivery penalties and apologized for spilled food — I've experienced it all firsthand."

Rather than complaining, the delivery rider has grown to appreciate the hustle. She speaks candidly about the difficulties of the job, but her genuine fondness for the fast-paced lifestyle shines through.

Becoming a delivery rider was not Liao's original plan. After graduating, she worked at a coffee shop where she became involved in the art of flower arranging, thanks to the frequent floral salons hosted there.

In 2019, Liao traveled downtown from Chongqing's Hechuan district for floral training. A suggestion from a friend to "try food delivery as a side job" unexpectedly changed her life trajectory.

Following her friend's advice, Liao rented an electric motorcycle and started delivering food part-time. However, due to various circumstances, her dream of opening a flower shop eventually faded.

In 2020, Liao became a full-time delivery rider. "At the beginning, some relatives couldn't understand why I was doing this. I was even afraid to post about it on my social media," she recalled. "But then I thought, why should I be ashamed of earning an honest living?"

Moving from a side hustle to a full-time career, Liao found a sense of purpose in her work.

"What moves me the most are those unexpected moments of warmth," Liao said. She recounted the heartwarming scenes from her delivery routes: a water truck driver who turned off his hose to let her pass; the hot water given to her by an elderly person living alone; and the hand warmers gifted to her by a customer on a rainy day. These small details have pieced together a unique sense of belonging for her.

The encounters on her daily routes inspire Liao's work. In 2022, she launched a channel called Dada Mei on social media. In the Chongqing dialect, Dada refers to braids, while Mei implies a young girl, describing the prominent braids adorning her helmet.

By turning daily encounters into short videos, ranging from funny delivery tales on hilly streets to practical ordering tips, she has captured the vibes of everyday life. This authenticity has won her massive popularity, with millions of likes and a huge following, turning her personal journey into a window for society to understand the real world of couriers.

As her popularity grows, netizens frequently offer words of encouragement in the comments. The real-life moments from her delivery routes create a strong bond between her and the expanding fan base.

"Every trade has its master. Securing your future with your own hands defines a bright future!" Liao hit back with conviction when a stranger in an elevator told her that delivering food was a "dead-end job" and suggested she quit. The clip has since racked up thousands of likes, resonating with many netizens.

Liao has come a long way since her early days as a delivery rider. In her free time, she is a volunteer. Her work ranges from managing flood drainage on rainy days and comforting seniors during festivals to providing cold drinks for workers in the heat. She is committed to serving the public with her optimism.

In 2025, Liao was awarded the title of National Model Worker. As the first-ever female delivery rider to receive this top honor, she has made history for her profession.

"This award isn't just for me. It shows that society and our country value workers in these new gig-economy jobs. My goal is to show everyone what delivery riders are really like, break the stereotypes people have about us, and help my fellow riders improve their lives," Liao said.