Photo Essay: Struggle to Survive in China’s Ride-Hailing Industry

The rise of the ride-hailing industry in China over the past decade has been marked by striking shifts. Initially a lucrative and flexible job, it has increasingly become a precarious gig as the market saturates and regulatory oversight grows [para. 5].

During the pandemic, Xiao Jian turned to ride-hailing to tackle his financial woes, including a home mortgage and loans from a failed supermarket business [para. 2]. Moving to Beijing, he entered the industry through a no-money-down lease, which was less than ideal. Over three months, he earned less than 3,000 yuan ($418) but had to pay numerous fines and damages, leading him to quit with empty pockets [para. 3][para. 4].

Similarly, Liu Zhiqiang, one of the early adopters of ride-hailing, experienced a drastic change in income. At its peak, he earned 30,000 yuan a month. However, with market saturation and regulatory changes, income levels for drivers like him have plummeted [para. 7]. Another driver, Gao Changyuan, joined the industry post her failed teahouse and hot pot restaurant ventures, attracted by the promise of a 12,000 yuan monthly income. Initially paying a 5,000 yuan fee for an electric car with poor mileage, she later upgraded by paying additional sums but still found her income stagnating due to the influx of new drivers [para. 9][para. 10].

The ride-hailing job poses severe emotional and physical stresses, as evidenced by Luo Ning, who has seen her income shrink to 3,000-4,000 yuan a month despite putting in long hours [para. 14][para. 16]. Coupled with this, her husband Liu Zhen also became a driver after losing his construction job, further emphasizing the desperation pushing families into such gigs [para. 17].

Nevertheless, Luo Yi, another driver, has found ways to somewhat manage his time and earnings more efficiently, typically making 400-500 yuan in a 10-hour shift. He approaches ride-hailing with a more strategic mindset, driving mainly during rush hours and commission-free shifts [para. 18][para. 19].

Conversely, after failing as a businessman and accruing over 1 million yuan in debt, Xiao Xu took up ride-hailing. Despite initial hurdles, he eventually pivoted to running a fleet of ride-hailing cars, which became lucrative enough for him to pay off his debts within three months [para. 21][para. 22]. On another front, Gao Changyuan began leveraging social media platforms like Douyin to share her life as a driver, gaining a significant following and some additional income [para. 23].

Luo Yi, too, manages a Xiaohongshu account and is exploring photography and English to potentially shift to the luxury segment of ride-hailing. He views his current stint more as a temporary stepping stone rather than a long-term career [para. 25].

This investigation underscores the volatile and often harsh realities of China's ride-hailing industry. While initially lucrative, the sector has seen incomes dwindle due to market saturation and increasing regulations. Personal stories of drivers like Xiao Jian, Liu Zhiqiang, Gao Changyuan, Luo Ning, and others reveal the significant challenges they face, highlighting the widespread impact on livelihoods and mental well-being. Some have found alternative paths to sustain themselves, but for the majority, the future remains uncertain, necessitating a reevaluation of their career strategies [para. 1][para. 6][para. 8].