How China’s Food Delivery Drivers Thrive with Discounts and Community Support

BEIJING (AP) — After the lunchtime rush, food delivery drivers take a moment to eat.

Liu Lijie, deep into his long shift, parked his electric scooter outside a restaurant in Beijing. He chose his favorite dish: lamb noodle soup with pickles. Priced at just 12 yuan ($1.65), it’s a good deal—6 yuan off the normal price.

This meal is part of a growing initiative that provides free or discounted food to those in need, no questions asked. Known as “aixincan” (or “loving meals”), these meals are offered at various restaurants, especially in cities with many migrant workers seeking jobs.

Liu, who moved to Beijing from Shanxi province two years ago, said, “Life is tough here. Eating aixincan helps me save money.” He didn’t even take off his helmet branded with Ele.me, a popular delivery app, as he quickly dove into his meal at Yushiji, a local restaurant chain.

The idea of these meals began in the early 2000s. It gained popularity through government media and social platforms, where influencers pose as hungry customers to showcase the restaurants’ generosity.

Luo Shuai, another driver with Meituan, China’s leading food delivery service, found out about Yushiji’s program from friends. Now a regular customer, he appreciates the taste of home from his native Henan province. “It reminds me of where I came from,” he shared.

There are nearly 300 million migrant workers in China, with a notable shift toward gig-based jobs like delivery driving over traditional factory work. Recent data shows there are now over 200 million workers in the gig economy. This shift highlights the changing employment landscape in China.

These meals do more than fill stomachs; they foster a sense of community among workers striving for better lives. The aixincan movement reflects not just kindness, but also the resilience of those navigating urban challenges.

For more information on the gig economy in China, you can refer to this World Bank report.

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