In the remote county of Medog in Tibet’s Nyingchi city, 24-year-old Huang Kaihong has taken on a unique challenge: being the region’s only full-time delivery rider. Known as “China’s loneliest rider,” Huang completes up to 200 orders a day, navigating steep mountain roads and unpredictable weather to keep local businesses connected to customers.
Originally from Sichuan province, Huang was drawn to Tibet’s breathtaking landscapes. When Alibaba’s Taobao Shangou—formerly Ele.me—launched in Medog in August 2024, a friend introduced him to the platform. Since then, he has become the county’s sole full-time delivery rider. Over six months, Huang visited more than 300 local businesses, helping them set up menus and promoting the service, with nearly 80 stalls signing on.
The work is far from easy. Huang spends significant time and money maintaining his motorcycle, contends with slippery roads during the rainy season, and has even had minor accidents along the way. Initially excited about the job, he soon realised the challenges of navigating unfamiliar terrain and communicating with locals. Yet, he perseveres, averaging up to 200 deliveries a day.
Local businesses have welcomed the service. One female merchant shared that her daily sales jumped 30 to 40 per cent since joining Taobao Shangou, delighting in notifications of orders arriving even in the early morning.
Outside work, Huang enjoys riding to scenic spots such as mountain peaks and waterfalls. “I enjoy the wind on the road, and the money I earn from each order keeps me grounded,” he said. On the question of loneliness, Huang replied, “I’ve grown accustomed to it; I was born like this.”
Looking ahead, Huang hopes to eventually settle in Dali, Yunnan province, after saving enough from his tireless delivery rounds, continuing a life shaped by adventure, perseverance, and the open road.
