How One Beijing Sherpa's Waimai Guy Rode Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
With many of us having been confined to our homes over the past few months, ordering waimai has gone from a lazy treat we take for granted to a lifeline that helped break up the monotony of homecooked meals and a gauge for how the capital is returning back to normal.
Many of the food delivery platforms that we rely on were forced to reduce or restrict services at the height of the pandemic. Foreigner-facing delivery service Sherpa's was no different, and were forced to shut operations for a number of weeks. They have since gotten back on their feet as evinced by their black and orange-clad delivery men once again whizzing around town like a swarm of food-wielding bees.
Hubei-born 41-year-old courier Wang Junbo (王俊波) is just one of Sherpa's unflagging fleet. Having worked at the company for eight years, he seemed like the right man to talk to about how his work was affected by the coronavirus as well as what it takes to be a successful delivery man.
How has your experience been overall during this "special time?"
It is quite an unusual time. We are responsible for the food delivered to our customers, so the health checks and precautions have really ramped up throughout the epidemic. We take things very seriously. Before I even start a delivery, I have to disinfect my e-bike with sterilizer. Then I sterilize my hands and put on disposable gloves. I take my temperature and record it many times throughout the day – before departure and every time I enter a restaurant. It’s a lot of extra steps that we have to take, but I think it’s really important to do so. People should take precautions, stay indoors, and let me deliver your tasty food. All these procedures are for your safety during the epidemic.
Are there any individual experiences that stick out for you over the past few months?
The most unforgettable scene for me was the empty city. Everyone living in Beijing knows how crowded it was before. The quiet city streets made for quite the juxtaposition with normal Beijing life. It wasn’t even this quiet during Chinese New Year! When I faced the city, with no people on the sidewalks and no cars in the street, it made me feel amazed and also kind of sad. I missed the hustle and bustle, but it also made my job easier with less traffic! Beijing has come back to life recently. I had never been so happy to see a traffic jam.
Have there been any upsides in terms of your job during the coronavirus situation?
As I said, there were few people going out during the pandemic. I liked the lack of blaring car horns and cleaner air. The quietness along with the green trees and blooming flowers of spring made me feel very relaxed and happy to be outside! I’d rather be driving than sitting in a stuffy office staring at a computer screen.
What are the keys to success as a delivery person in Beijing? What personality traits do you need?
You need a strong body, a great sense of direction, and a friendly personality. I have to carry lots of food every day, and sometimes I have to make deliveries to buildings without elevators. It helps me get my cardio! As a qualified delivery guy, a strong sense of direction is an absolute requirement. However, those two elements alone are not enough to make a successful delivery person. A warm smile from the heart completes the delivery and makes our customers happy.
Do you have any life hacks that you’d recommend someone who needs to travel across the city? Where are some of the best places to hang out between deliveries?
Beijing is a diverse city with both modern skyscrapers and ancient architecture. The combination makes for a beautiful and interesting setting. I highly recommend riding a bicycle or e-bike through the city to help you really get a feel for the city and gain a deeper understanding of it. You miss so much when you ride underground in the dark tunnels of the metro system. Try riding on Chang’an Avenue and heading past the Forbidden City before getting lost in the side streets of the hutongs. Make your way over to Houhai and then have a drink!
What’s the largest or most difficult delivery you’ve ever had to fill?
Bad weather is always the biggest enemy to most delivery guys. I still remember that afternoon last summer when there was a typhoon with very heavy rain. A trip that normally takes ten minutes took 40 minutes. I was completely soaked! The order was cold when I arrived, but luckily the customer was really nice and gave me a big smile. I’m glad he understood.
When you order waimai, what do you usually eat?
I order waimai when I am hungry. Haha, kidding. I usually order waimai during the off-peak hours. I’m always making deliveries during meal times! What I most often eat is yuxiangrousi. It’s a nice meat dish with spicy and sour flavors. If you like Chinese food, I highly recommend it!
Sherpa's is now up and running and taking orders via their site, which can be accessed here. If you happen across Wang Junbo, make sure to give him a hearty “多谢！”
READ: As Diners Remain Stuck at Home Beijing's Restaurants Turn to Delivery Instead
Photos courtesy of Sherpa's
