What is Feng Shui? Learn about its origins and history

Table of Contents

1. Pre-Qin Period
- The origin of Feng Shui and the concept of "Xiangdi"
- Feng Shui principles for choosing settlements, temples and land
- The integration of Feng Shui with the Book of Changes, Taoism and Confucianism
- Natural elements affecting the location of buildings: mountains, rivers and orientation

2. Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 207 BC)
- The concept of "ground veins" is proposed
- The relationship between the construction of the Great Wall and palaces and Feng Shui
- The location of tombs and the theory of Yin and Yang
- Feng Shui theory of bed orientation

3. Han Dynasty
- The combination of geography and astrology in the Western Han Dynasty and the Xin Dynasty
- The birth of the dragon vein theory
- The study of mountains and water in Feng Shui theory

4. Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD - 220 AD)
- The in-depth development and inheritance of Feng Shui
- The basic principles for the location of tombs and residences
- The relationship between family prosperity and Feng Shui

5. Three Kingdoms and Southern Dynasties (220 AD - 589)
- The relationship between the writing of the Water Classic and Feng Shui during the Three Kingdoms period
- Feng Shui practices in tombs and rituals during the Southern Dynasties

6. Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD)
- Differentiation and scientific development of Feng Shui during the Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties
- Strict distinction between Feng Shui for tombs and residences

7. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)
- Further development and controversy of Feng Shui
- Waterway positioning and the publication of the Water Dragon Classic
- Feng Shui division between Yin and Yang residences

8. Five Dynasties (907-960 AD)
- Further differentiation of Feng Shui and refinement of disciplines
- Practice and theoretical application of Feng Shui for tombs and residences

9. Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)
- The influence of science and geographical technology on Feng Shui
- The rise of the formal school and the compass school
- Decisions influenced by Feng Shui, such as building site selection and irrigation

10. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)
- Cultural influence and academic research on Feng Shui
- Zhu Yuanzhang's Feng Shui considerations when building the capital

11. Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD)
- The close relationship between architecture and Feng Shui during the Qing Dynasty
- The influence of Guo Pu's Feng Shui theory on architectural Feng Shui
- Further development and modern application of Feng Shui in Ming and Qing Dynasties

12. Republic of China (1911-1949 AD)
- Further development of Feng Shui technology
- Classification and application of Feng Shui systems (Flying Star Method, Eight Mansions Method, etc.)

13. Cultural Revolution (1966-1976 AD)
- Feng Shui bans and cultural turmoil
- Hidden continuation and research of Feng Shui

14. Contemporary Feng Shui (1980-present)
- The revival and modern application of Feng Shui
- The Feng Shui renovation case of Guangdong Provincial Government Building
- The influence of Feng Shui in global business and architecture
- The application of Feng Shui in urban development: Feng Shui concerns in Hong Kong, New York and other places

 Chinese history is dominated by dynasties, and Feng Shui has also evolved with the change of dynasties. Below I try to superimpose the history of Feng Shui with the history of dynasties in chronological order to show the changes and influence of Feng Shui in the long river of Chinese history.

Pre-Qin Period

Before the Qin Dynasty, ancient Feng Shui was called "Xiang Di", which means the observation and evaluation of the earth. During this period, the basic principles of Feng Shui were gradually established, mainly used to select the location of settlements, temples, shrines, and even fertile land. The location of buildings is usually influenced by the direction of rivers and terrain. They prefer to be built on high ground or raised platforms, and are mostly oriented north-south, with the back facing north to resist the cold north wind. During the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC to 246 BC), the "divination" system in Feng Shui began to be used to judge the good and bad luck of settlements, and laid the theoretical foundation for the later practice of Feng Shui.

From 475 BC to 221 BC, Feng Shui experts conducted in-depth research on the Book of Changes and introduced its influence into Feng Shui. At the same time, the ideas of Taoism and Confucianism were gradually integrated with Feng Shui theory. The concepts of the Five Elements, Yin and Yang, and the Eight Trigrams were absorbed into Feng Shui, making it richer and more complete, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent development of Feng Shui.

Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 207 BC)

The Qin Dynasty was an important period in the development of Feng Shui, pioneering the study of "earth veins" by ancient geographers. The concept of earth veins refers to the study of the energy flow between the spines and valleys of mountains, similar to the modern concept of arteries and veins of the earth. During this period, people began to carry out large-scale construction projects, such as the Great Wall of China and various palaces. These buildings not only had military and political functions, but also involved the application of Feng Shui.

The Qin Dynasty also paid attention to the selection of tombs, which usually followed the principles of Yin and Yang. The dead were usually buried with their heads facing west and their graves facing east. This practice may be related to the historical background of the Qin Dynasty's eastward expansion, which showed respect for the ancestral home. From the perspective of Feng Shui, the east represents new (yang) energy, while the west symbolizes old age (yin) and moving to the next world. During this period, the "north-south direction" theory of Feng Shui also gradually matured, and the bed position and house orientation all followed this basic principle.

The Yin-Yang theory in Feng Shui was applied in tomb studies and building site selection during the Qin Dynasty, and had a profound impact on later Feng Shui. Although its influence was limited in the short term, the long-term significance of the Yin-Yang theory laid a solid theoretical foundation for Feng Shui.

Han Dynasty

Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 9 AD) and Xin Dynasty (9 AD - 24 AD)

During the Western Han Dynasty, the development of Feng Shui entered a new stage, especially the combined study of geography and astrology. Feng Shui no longer focused only on the choice of geographical environment, but also began to explore the relationship between man and nature between heaven and earth. An important breakthrough in Feng Shui was the in-depth study of the concept of "dragon veins", which refers to the direction of mountains and the flow of earth veins, and is considered an important factor affecting the aura.

During this period, the study of China's mountains and waterways became more detailed, and detailed maps of peaks, ridges, valleys and rivers were drawn, providing theoretical support for the practice of Feng Shui. Feng Shui masters began to conduct precise analysis and measurements of specific geographical environments to help determine the most suitable locations for settlements and cemeteries.

Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD - 220 AD)

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Feng Shui was developed and inherited more systematically, and many Feng Shui techniques and customs were popularized and passed down from generation to generation through Feng Shui masters. The application of Feng Shui during this period gradually penetrated into the living environment of families, especially in the selection of cemetery sites and the layout of residential areas.

Feng Shui thought during the Eastern Han Dynasty emphasized that the prosperity of a family is inseparable from the harmonious relationship with the environment. A good residential site should have features such as backing against mountains, open views in front, and surrounded by trees and water, all of which contribute to the prosperity of the family.

Three Kingdoms and Southern Dynasties (220 AD - 589 AD)

Three Kingdoms (220 AD - 280 AD)

During the Three Kingdoms period, the regime changes of Wei, Shu, and Wu were intertwined with the practice of Feng Shui. Feng Shui gradually attracted the attention of the upper class during this period, especially in the selection of tomb sites and city construction. At the same time, the "Water Classic" began to be written as an important reference book for Feng Shui. It provided detailed data on China's rivers, mountains and waterways for later Feng Shui theories, and emphasized the relationship between topography and aura.

Southern Dynasties (420-589 AD)

During the Southern Dynasties, Feng Shui continued to develop, especially in the selection of tombs and buildings. During this period, the content of "Water Classic" was continuously supplemented and improved, providing more information about waterways in various parts of China and providing more basis for Feng Shui masters. Feng Shui was also gradually closely linked to national construction and social development, affecting the construction layout of the national regime, the selection of tomb sites and urban planning.

Emperor Wu of Han led officials to see Zhang Qian off.

Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties (581-960 AD)

Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD)

During the Sui Dynasty, Feng Shui gradually moved towards a more rigorous and systematic path, and different theoretical schools and schools began to emerge. Feng Shui during this period not only affected the selection of building sites and burial sites, but also profoundly affected people's lives and cultural practices.

During the Sui Dynasty, the practice of Feng Shui was no longer limited to the private affairs of emperors and nobles, but began to spread to the daily lives of ordinary people. Culture and art were highly valued at the time, and the theory and practice of Feng Shui also entered all levels of society and even expanded to remote areas.

In addition, around 600 AD, the pioneering document "Shuilong Jing" appeared in the field of Feng Shui, which systematically expounded the principles of site selection and geographical positioning of waterways, and had a profound impact on the subsequent Feng Shui theory and practice.

Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)

The Tang Dynasty was an important period in the development of Feng Shui, during which Feng Shui was further refined and began to pay attention to the difference between "Yin House" and "Yang House". Yin House usually refers to the cemetery associated with the dead, while Yang House is related to the living environment of the living.

The influence of Feng Shui was not limited to the emperor's palace or high-rise buildings, but also gradually penetrated into the lives of ordinary people. Feng Shui in the Tang Dynasty paid more attention to the harmonious coexistence of the natural environment and human life, especially in the site selection of buildings, the arrangement of tombs and urban planning. Feng Shui was closely linked to the actual needs of society, making it an integral part of political, cultural and religious life.

Five Dynasties (907-960 AD)

During the Five Dynasties, the theory of Feng Shui was gradually refined and divided into two different fields - "Yin House" and "Yang House". Yin House is related to the burial of the dead, while Yang House focuses on the living environment of the living. During this period, Feng Shui not only affected the daily life of individuals, but also played an important role in political and military layout.

With the continuous evolution of the Five Dynasties, the practice of Feng Shui gradually became more mature. In particular, in the differentiation and debate of Feng Shui academics, different schools and viewpoints were formed, and these debates and discussions contributed to the further development and deepening of Feng Shui.

Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD)

Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD) and Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD)

The Song Dynasty was another important turning point in the history of Feng Shui in China, marking the development of Feng Shui from the traditional empirical system to a more scientific and geographical combination. Feng Shui in the Song Dynasty emphasized the relationship between the natural environment, architectural layout and social operation. Feng Shui is not only used for site selection and layout, but also involves aspects such as land irrigation and water conservancy projects in farmland, showing the wide application of Feng Shui in production and life.

Feng Shui practices in the Song Dynasty were supported and encouraged by the emperor, and the site selection of many important buildings, palaces and temples fully considered Feng Shui principles. However, Feng Shui was not completely mystified or superstitious in the Song Dynasty. It began to combine science and technology more and became a rational and practical system.

An important development of Feng Shui is to combine the site selection of buildings with the harmony of the environment. For the planning and layout of cities, the Song Dynasty attached importance to the mutual adaptation of cities and natural environments, especially in the layout of the external environment of settlements, emphasizing the harmony with terrain and waterways. The internal layout is often regarded as secondary, and the influence of Feng Shui is more reflected in the external site selection of buildings.

At the same time, the Song Dynasty also paid great attention to the selection of auspicious days for the construction of buildings, believing that starting construction at the right time can bring good luck and wealth to the building. This also reflects the coexistence of superstition and rationality in Feng Shui.

In the development of Feng Shui in the Song Dynasty, Feng Shui was further refined and formed into two major schools: the Formal School and the Compass School. The emergence of these two schools marked the further deepening of Feng Shui theory and laid a solid foundation for the later practice of Feng Shui.

Formal School

The Formal School focuses on determining the good and bad luck of Feng Shui through the evaluation of topography, geography and waterways. This school emphasizes the analysis of "situation", which usually includes the relationship between mountains, rivers, lakes and other natural geographical elements. The basic idea of ​​the Formal School is that the structure and geographical features of the terrain will affect the flow of air and energy, thereby affecting the good and bad luck of the residence.

The development of the Formal School was due to Yang Yunsong, who served as an advisor to the emperor at the time, and further strengthened and improved the Feng Shui theory through the study of topography and waterways (about 888 AD). Yang Yunsong's theory harmoniously integrated the "situation" of Feng Shui with the geographical environment, forming a relatively systematic school, especially in the site selection of buildings and cemeteries, emphasizing the basic principle of backing to the mountain and facing the water.

The formal school of the Song Dynasty laid the foundation for the formation of the compass school. With the gradual deepening of the understanding of Feng Shui, Feng Shui masters such as Wang Zhi further improved this theory more than 100 years later and pushed it to a higher level. Wang Zhi's contribution made the ideas of the formal school more systematic. His theory not only affected the practicality of Feng Shui, but also provided theoretical support for the later compass school.

Compass School

The compass school (also known as the "qi school") pays more attention to adjusting and optimizing the energy flow in the living environment through the use of the compass. The key tool of the compass school is the "compass", an instrument used to determine the Feng Shui location. The compass was first invented by the Chinese (around the 4th century BC). Its original function was mainly used for navigation and determination of direction. Later, it was used by Feng Shui masters to judge the aura and energy flow in the geographical environment.

The Compass School relied not only on the analysis of physical terrain, but also combined **astrology** and **numerology** to determine the best location for residences, cemeteries, etc. Through these combined factors, Feng Shui masters were able to calculate the interaction with natural forces such as gravity and the aura, thereby optimizing the energy layout of a location.

Since the 10th century AD, Feng Shui masters of the Compass School have used precise mathematical calculations to further improve the theoretical system of Feng Shui. These calculations can better analyze and predict the good and bad luck of specific locations and help people choose the best location that is more in line with the laws of nature and the universe.

The origins of the Compass School can be traced back to northern China, where the terrain is relatively flat and lacks the significant natural geographical features of the south. Therefore, Feng Shui masters in this area developed different theories and methods from the formal school, focusing on finding the flow and direction of "qi" through the compass. This method relies on the harmony and mutual communication between heaven, earth and man, and emphasizes the close connection between destiny and natural laws.

Ming Dynasty flag

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

During the Ming Dynasty, Feng Shui became an important topic of concern to scholars and literati, and many scholars studied Feng Shui theory in depth and applied it to all levels of society. When Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, established his capital in Beijing, he sought the help of Yin-Yang experts to ensure that the layout of the capital was in accordance with traditional Feng Shui principles. During this period, Feng Shui was not only applied to the selection of sites for imperial palaces and buildings, but also involved urban layout and the arrangement of tombs. Feng Shui played an extremely important role in Ming Dynasty society, not only for the pursuit of personal fortune, but also provided ideological support for the prosperity and stability of the country.

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

During the Qing Dynasty, the influence of Feng Shui further deepened, especially in northern China, where almost all buildings strictly followed Feng Shui principles. The layout of the courtyard in the Qing Dynasty, where the front door of the courtyard was located in the front left corner ("Qinglongmen"), etc., are all manifestations of Feng Shui principles. The Qing court's emphasis on Feng Shui can even be seen in Guo Pu's poems, and this culture has profoundly influenced the court's architectural planning and urban layout. Feng Shui does not only exist in the folk, many important buildings and urban planning have referred to this knowledge to ensure that the architectural environment can conform to the will of heaven and achieve harmonious coexistence.

Development of Feng Shui Technology

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, many Feng Shui techniques were deeply developed, and these methods are still widely used in Feng Shui practice today, including:

- Flying Star Method (Flying Star): Adjust the energy flow of the living and working environment by analyzing the changes of "flying stars" in the aura.

- Eight House Method (Eight Houses): Optimize the fortune of the residents based on the orientation of the house and the configuration of the surrounding environment.

- Sanhe School: Focus on the comprehensive analysis of time, location, and people.

- Destiny Number School (Ming Kua): Predict and adjust destiny through numerology.

- Four Pillars of Destiny (Chinese Constellation): Combine astronomy, numerology and Feng Shui.

- Ziwei Dou Shu: Analyze the relationship between personal destiny and environment through astrology and numerology.

Application of Feng Shui in Modern Times

Although traditional belief systems such as Feng Shui were suppressed during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Feng Shui did not disappear, but entered a low-key "yin" period. In modern times, Feng Shui academic research continues, and many academic institutions are studying and applying Feng Shui theory. Especially in the business field, the application of Feng Shui has gradually become a hot topic, and enterprises and the business community are paying more and more attention to the impact of architectural Feng Shui. For example, in 1990, a government building in Guangdong Province had frequent accidents due to poor Feng Shui, resulting in casualties. Later, the problem was solved through the reconstruction of Feng Shui experts.

Today, Feng Shui is not only widely concerned in China, but also in cities around the world, such as Hong Kong and New York, where a large number of Feng Shui consulting services have emerged to help individuals and companies obtain favorable energy and fortune in building planning and urban development. In modern society, Feng Shui has gradually become an important factor in business success and urban development.