Driving Through Dynasties: The Cultural Roadmap of Chinese EV brand-BYD

In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), BYD (Build Your Dreams) stands as a testament to China's ambition and technological prowess. As a company, BYD has carved out a significant niche for itself, not just within China's borders but on the global stage. Founded in 1995 by 王传福 (wáng chuán fú), the company initially started as a battery manufacturer before pivoting to automobiles in 2003. Today, it is not only one of the largest manufacturers of electric vehicles worldwide but also embodies a unique blend of innovation and cultural pride.

One of the most intriguing aspects of BYD's branding strategy lies in its use of Chinese dynastic names—中国朝代名称 (zhōng guó cháo dài míng chēng) —for its car models. Wang Chuanfu's rationale is as profound as it is simple: "A distinctive feature of the Chinese nation is its characters. Why not use them? We are a Chinese company, so we want to name these cars after Chinese dynasties. All the buttons in a BYD car are labeled in Chinese characters (even for the ones sold abroad). If foreigners disdain them and don't buy them, no problem, I'll take responsibility." This bold stance not only highlights BYD's commitment to cultural identity but also challenges the global market to engage with Chinese heritage on its terms.

The Dynastic Drive

秦 (qín) —BYD's pioneering plug-in hybrid model—carries the name of the dynasty known for unifying China and laying the foundations of the empire. Just as the 秦朝 (qín cháo, Qin dynasty) paved the way for imperial China, the Qin model has spearheaded the new era of EVs in the Chinese market.

The choice of dynastic names—秦 (qín) 汉 (hàn) 唐 (táng) 宋 (sòng) 元 (yuán) and beyond with trademarks registered for up to 12 dynasties—is a nod to the rich tapestry of China's history. Each dynasty is selected for its contributions to Chinese civilization and the symbolic parallels to BYD's vision for the future of mobility.

秦朝/秦代 (qín cháo/qín dài, Qin Dynasty)

Known for its unification of China under a centralized government, the introduction of a standard written script, and significant infrastructure projects like the first version of the Great Wall, the Qin dynasty symbolizes the pioneering spirit that BYD embodies with its innovative EV technologies.

汉朝/汉代 (hàn cháo/hàn dài, Han Dynasty)

The Han era is considered a golden age in Chinese history, a period when arts, culture, and trade flourished. The self-identification of ethnic Chinese as 汉人 (hàn rén, Han people) speaks volumes of this dynasty's enduring legacy. BYD's association with this name underlines the company's ambition to achieve greatness and broad acceptance.

唐朝/唐代 (táng cháo/táng dài, Tang Dynasty)

An era of cosmopolitan culture and thriving international trade, best represented by the Silk Road and the spread of Chinese influence through Asia. 唐 (táng, Tang) is used globally as the name for "Chinatown": 唐人街 (táng rén jiē, Tang people street); signifying a cultural and commercial exchange network. BYD's use of Tang mirrors its aspiration for global connectivity and cultural export.

宋朝/宋代 (sòng cháo/sòng dài, Song Dynasty)

Known for its advancements in technology, economics, and culture, the Song dynasty represents innovation and prosperity. By adopting this name, BYD aligns itself with these values, emphasizing its role in driving technological advancements in the automotive industry.

元朝/元代 (yuán cháo/yuán dài, Yuan Dynasty)

Marking a period of Mongol rule over China, the 元代 (yuán dài, Yuan dynasty) is a reminder of China's capacity to integrate and adapt foreign influences, similar to BYD's approach in embracing and innovating upon global EV technologies.

The Importance of History in Learning Chinese

Understanding China's dynastic history isn't just an academic exercise; it's a journey into the heart of Chinese identity. For learners of the Chinese language, this knowledge enriches their comprehension, enabling a deeper appreciation of the cultural nuances that shape the modern Chinese psyche. From the historical significance of the characters to the stories behind the names of today's technological marvels, history provides a context that makes learning Chinese a more immersive and meaningful experience.

As we witness companies like BYD navigates the future with nods to the past, it's a reminder of the enduring influence of history on innovation. For Chinese learners and enthusiasts, these narratives are not just lessons but bridges connecting the past, present, and future of China's storied civilization.

The Tang and Han Dynasties in Modern Context

唐 (táng)

The 唐 (táng) dynasty is often considered the golden age of Chinese civilization, an era of unparalleled cultural flourish and economic prosperity. The dynasty's openness to foreign cultures and its thriving cosmopolitan capital—长安 (cháng ān, Chang'an)—laid the groundwork for the Silk Road's success, making China a global hub of trade and cultural exchange. Today, the character "唐" transcends its historical context, symbolizing cultural richness and diversity. This is vividly illustrated by the name for "Chinatown": 唐人街 (táng rén jiē, Tang people street) ; found in cities around the globe, signifying places where Chinese culture thrives and interacts with local cultures. BYD's choice to name one of its models 唐 (táng) reflects not only a nod to this illustrious past but also an aspiration to global influence and exchange in the modern era of electric vehicles.

汉 (hàn)

The Han dynasty solidified the foundation of imperial China, fostering a period of economic stability, cultural bloom, and technological advancement. It is during the Han that Confucianism was established as the state philosophy, shaping the moral and social ideals of countless generations. The term 汉 (hàn) has since become deeply ingrained in Chinese identity, with the majority ethnic group in China known as 汉族 (hàn zú, Han clan), and the language referred to as 汉语 (hàn yǔ, Han language/Chinese). This enduring legacy of the Han dynasty embodies a sense of unity, continuity, and cultural pride. By associating a vehicle with the name 汉 (hàn), BYD signals its commitment to these values of resilience and innovation, aiming to drive forward the tradition of excellence into the future of mobility. 

Mnemonic for the Timeline of Chinese History

In Chinese elementary school textbooks, a mnemonic technique is used to succinctly present the main Chinese dynasties in the form of quatrains. This makes the dynastic timeline very easy to memorize. If you are interested, we can share this mnemonic here. By learning about the succession of Chinese dynasties, one can gain a better understanding of Chinese history.

三皇五帝始，sān huáng wǔ dì shǐ

尧舜禹相传；yáo shùn yǔ xiāng chuán

夏商与西周，xià shāng yǔ xī zhōu

东周分两段；dōng zhōu fēn liǎng duàn

春秋和战国，chūn qiū hé zhàn guó

一统秦两汉；yí tǒng qín liǎng hàn

三分魏蜀吴，sān fēn wèi shǔ wú

二晋前后沿；èr jìn qián hòu yán 

南北朝并立，nán běi cháo bìng lì

隋唐五代传；suí táng wǔ dài chuán

宋元明清后，sòng yuán míng qīng hòu

皇朝至此完。huáng cháo zhì cǐ wán

English translation:

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors began, with Yao, Shun, and Yu passing on the mantle;

the Xia, Shang, and Western Zhou, Eastern Zhou split into two parts;

the Spring and Autumn and Warring States, unified by Qin and followed by the Han;

Han divided into Wei, Shu, and Wu, succeeded by the Earlier and Later Jin;

concurrent Northern and Southern Dynasties, followed by the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties;

after the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, the imperial era came to an end.

Contemporary Use of Dynastic Names

The use of these ancient names in modern contexts—be it in the bustling streets of Chinatowns worldwide or in the cutting-edge technology of electric cars—demonstrates the timeless relevance and influence of China's historical periods. It's a testament to how the past informs the present, offering both a foundation and inspiration for innovation and cultural expression.

For Chinese language learners, understanding these connections enriches their appreciation of not just the language but also the culture and history it represents. Each character, each name, carries with it a story, an era, and a set of ideals that continue to shape Chinese society and its global interactions today.

In embracing these historical references, BYD does more than just market products; it weaves the rich tapestry of China's past into the fabric of contemporary life, inviting the world to engage with China's culture on a deeper level. For students of Chinese, this presents an invaluable opportunity to see language as a living, breathing entity that bridges time, connecting the ancient with the modern, and the local with the global.