Feng Shui, an ancient wisdom originating from China, embodies the Chinese nation’s reverence for and exploration of natural laws. As early as primitive societies, ancestors understood the principles of “settling on high ground and dwelling near mountains and water.” For example, the Banpo Village site in Xi’an was strategically located near mountains and rivers, serving both flood prevention and agricultural needs. This wisdom of “living by water” reflected early ecological concepts of “storing wind and gathering qi” (preserving favorable energies), marking the embryonic form of Feng Shui.
During the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BCE–256 BCE), “divination for dwellings” (卜宅 *Bu Zhai*) became a vital ritual. Records in the *Book of Songs* (*Shijing*), such as “observing the balance of yin and yang and examining the flow of springs,” demonstrated how ancient people guided their lives by observing natural patterns. The philosophical core of yin-yang and the Five Elements from the *I Ching* (*Book of Changes*) infused Feng Shui with a theoretical foundation, establishing the principle of “harmony between heaven and humanity” (天人合一).
By the Warring States period (476 BCE–221 BCE), the *Book of Burial* (*Zangshu*) first proposed the core concept of “storing wind and gathering qi,” laying the groundwork for Feng Shui as a systematic discipline.
In the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE), the integration of yin-yang theory, the Five Elements, and the Eight Trigrams elevated Feng Shui from empirical knowledge to a structured theoretical system.
The Tang and Song dynasties (618–1279 CE) saw further advancements. Yang Yunsong (杨筠松) founded the “Form School” (形势派), emphasizing mountain and river configurations and the direction of “dragon veins” (龙脉). The widespread use of the Luopan (geomantic compass) spurred the rise of the “Compass School” (理气派), which calculated auspicious directions. This period marked new heights in both theory and practice.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912 CE), Feng Shui permeated all levels of Chinese society. For the imperial elite, it was a tool to consolidate power and pray for national prosperity. Royal architecture, mausoleum selection, and urban planning adhered to Feng Shui principles to ensure the stability of “imperial dragon veins” and the flourishing of descendants. Among the populace, Feng Shui became deeply ingrained in daily life. From house construction and weddings to road repairs and travel, people consulted masters to assess terrain and select auspicious dates. Many clans built Feng Shui towers or ponds to enhance family fortunes.
In the modern technological era, Feng Shui has not faded but instead gained renewed vitality. In Hong Kong, the Bank of China Tower’s sharp angles were designed to dissolve “negative energies” (煞气); in Shanghai, the Jin Mao Tower’s terraced structure captures “wealth energy” (财气). These landmarks blend traditional Feng Shui with modern mechanics and environmental psychology, becoming icons of “Eastern wisdom.” In business, Feng Shui serves as an invisible guide for decision-making, influencing office layouts, site selections, and even grand opening dates.
From the wisdom of Banpo villagers to global skyscrapers, Feng Shui is not only a cultural bridge connecting past and future but also a philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature. In the fusion of technology and tradition, it now offers modern society tangible reassurance and prosperity, redefining itself while preserving its ancient soul.
