‘A job that does not feel too painful’: How did gig work go mainstream in China?

Amid China’s ongoing economic struggles and the rise of the digital economy, a growing number of workers are embracing flexible jobs. According to data released in December 2025, the country has over 200 million gig workers who make a living from various temporary jobs. The most common types of work include food delivery, ride‑hailing drivers and live‑streamers.