Tian Dan leaves home for work in Shanghai, east China, on March 4, 2026.
Tian Dan, 37, is a delivery worker and mother of two. In 2021, Tian left her hometown in Hanzhong of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to work as a delivery rider in Shanghai. In her early days on the job, she faced setbacks such as getting lost and falling off her motorbike. But with perseverance, she gradually grew and came to realize the value of her profession.
In 2024, Tian signed up for the country's continuing education initiative, which is designed to help working individuals to pursue further education, and became one of the first batch of delivery riders to attend university for free. Today, she has graduated from junior college and enrolled to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Recently, the 37-year-old was awarded China's 2025 March 8th Red-Banner Individual Holder, one of the highest honors given to the country's outstanding women by the All-China Women's Federation.
After receiving the national honor, Tian is aware of greater responsibilities she should shoulder to help more riders in their work, life and development. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)
Tian Dan poses for a photo with her graduation certificate at Southwest University of Science and Technology in Mianyang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Sept. 18, 2025.(Xinhua)
Tian Dan chats with her colleague in Shanghai, east China, on Feb. 28, 2026.(Xinhua/Liu Ying)
Tian Dan tidies up before work at her home in Shanghai, east China, on March 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Liu Ying)
Tian Dan (1st R) shares her story at a ceremony to mark the 116th anniversary of the International Women's Day in Shanghai, east China, on March 6, 2026.(Xinhua/Liu Ying)
Tian Dan delivers food in Putuo District of Shanghai, east China, on Feb. 28, 2026.(Xinhua/Liu Ying)
Tian Dan is pictured in Shanghai, east China, on Feb. 28, 2026.(Xinhua/Liu Ying)
Tian Dan (R) chats with another food delivery rider at Pudong New Area in Shanghai, east China, on March 4, 2026.(Xinhua/Liu Ying)
