Liu Zhiqiang stretches between fares in Zhengzhou, Central China’s Henan province. The 40-year-old has been working as a ride-hailing driver for eight years. However, his monthly earnings have significantly decreased this year. Photo: Zhou Bo/Caixin

Liu charges the electric car he bought with a loan. Previously a shop owner, he switched to driving full-time in 2016, drawn by the prospect of lucrative work. In 2017, he once earned over 30,000 yuan ($4,122) in one month. Photo: Zhou Bo/Caixin

Liu records short videos inside his car in April in Zhengzhou. During slow periods, he shares his ride-hailing experiences and stories on his personal Douyin account. Photo: Zhou Bo/Caixin

In Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan province, millennial Gao Changyuan joined the ride-hailing industry in 2020 expecting to earn over 12,000 yuan per month. However, after deducting expenses, she found her actual income was only half of her initial expectations. Photo: Li Yong/Caixin

Gao eats at a roadside stall. Since becoming a ride-hailing driver, she struggles to have regular meals. Photo: Li Yong/Caixin

In Zhengzhou, Luo Ning, a 35-year-old who has been a ride-hailing driver for three years, cries in an elevator. She struggles with physical pain and weight gain due to long hours behind the wheel. Despite the challenges, she continues to drive as it provides flexible working hours and allows her to take care of her children. Photo: Zhou Bo/Caixin

Luo’s husband, Liu Zhen, smokes to stay alert. He works in the construction industry during the day and drives at night. With both of them driving, the family now earns around 13,000 yuan per month, significantly less than they did when the ride-hailing business was more profitable. Photo: Zhou Bo/Caixin

Zhao Guogang wipes down his vehicle on the side of the road in Beijing. Born in 2000, Zhao became a ride-hailing driver after losing his job as an accountant due to the pandemic’s impact on the company’s performance. Photo: Shen Shi/Caixin

In Beijing, Zhao and his father hang out his laundry. The pair live together in a cramped room in the outskirts of the city. Photo: Shen Shi/Caixin

After receiving an order, Zhao straightens his tie. Photo: Shen Shi/Caixin

Zhao, like many other young people, spends time on short-video app Douyin before going to sleep. He hopes to find work as an accountant again in the future. Photo: Shen Shi/Caixin