'China’s loneliest rider': How one delivery man in remote Tibetan county handles up to 200 orders a day

Because of the limited scale of operations in Medog, Huang Kaihong's role extends well beyond deliveries. (AI-generated image)

A 24-year-old delivery rider has become an essential link for residents and businesses in one of China’s most isolated counties, handling up to 200 orders a day as the only full-time delivery worker in the area.

Huang Kaihong, often described online as “China’s loneliest rider”, works in Medog county in Nyingchi, located in the Tibet region of south-western China. Medog, which sits at the foothills of the Himalayas and has a population of fewer than 15,000 people, was the last county in the country to gain road access, South China Morning Post reported.

In August 2024, Alibaba’s food delivery platform Taobao Shangou, previously known as Ele.me, launched services in Medog. Alibaba Group also owns the South China Morning Post. Huang joined the platform after being introduced to the opportunity by a friend and has since become the county’s only full-time delivery rider.

In an interview with Taobao Shangou, Huang said he was born in Sichuan province and had long been drawn to Tibet’s landscapes. With support from the delivery station manager in Nyingchi city, he visited more than 300 local businesses across Medog, helping them register on the platform and upload menus.

Dressed in the company’s orange uniform and travelling by motorcycle, Huang now delivers as many as 200 orders each day. By comparison, reports indicate that delivery riders in China’s major cities usually complete between 40 and 60 orders daily, earning around four to eight yuan (approximately US$0.60 to US$1) per order.

Working conditions in Medog remain demanding. Huang said frequent rainfall and mountainous terrain often cause him to slip while riding, leading to high maintenance costs and extended repair time for his vehicle.

Despite these difficulties, he said he finds satisfaction in the job. “I enjoy the wind on the road and the money I earn from each order keeps me grounded,” Huang said.

Outside working hours, he spends time exploring the surrounding area, riding to nearby waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. He said he has learned to live with solitude, describing loneliness as “something I was born with”.

Because of the limited scale of operations in Medog, Huang’s role extends well beyond deliveries. He also manages the local delivery station, supports business operations and occasionally helps resolve disputes between merchants. His monthly income has not been made public.

Local restaurants have welcomed the arrival of Taobao Shangou. One food vendor reported a 30 per cent increase in daily sales and said she was pleased each time a new order notification appeared.

Huang has since become a familiar presence among Medog’s food businesses, and a part-time rider has recently joined to assist him. When working alone, Huang said he often calls his grandmother in his hometown.

Looking ahead, he said he plans to move to Dali in Yunnan province once he has saved enough money. The city is known for its mild, spring-like climate throughout the year.

Huang’s experience has attracted widespread attention online, with related posts receiving more than two million views on mainland Chinese social media platforms.

One user commented: “Huang is a hardworking and capable young man. He cannot afford to take a break or many people would go without their meals.”

Another wrote: “His success lies in mastering one field. His story can inspire many young people to pursue opportunities in remote areas.”