The Feng Shui Layout in Historical Buildings

I. Introduction

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese wisdom, has a profound influence on various aspects of Chinese culture, especially in historical architecture. Historical buildings, whether they are palaces, temples, or ordinary residences, are often designed and laid out based on Feng Shui principles. This essay will delve into the Feng Shui layout in historical buildings, exploring its various aspects such as site selection, overall layout, and specific architectural elements.

II. Site Selection in Feng Shui for Historical Buildings

1. Mountain – Water Relationship

• One of the fundamental principles in Feng Shui for site selection is the harmonious relationship between mountains and waters. The ideal site is often described as “backed by mountains and facing waters.” Mountains are seen as sources of strength and stability, providing protection from the cold winds and representing the support of the earth element. For example, the Forbidden City in Beijing is located at the foot of Jingshan Mountain in the north and faces the Jincheng River in the south, forming a classic “back – mountain – front – water” pattern. This layout not only takes advantage of the natural  landscape for aesthetic purposes but also conforms to the principle of the stability and circulation of the qi field in the concept of Feng shui. From the perspective of feng shui concept, such a layout is also conducive to the stability and flow of qi. The concept of qi is at the heart of Feng shui theory, which holds that qi is an energy that permeates the universe, and that the combination of mountains and water can promote the accumulation and virtuous circulation of qi. mountains also act as windbreaks, reducing the impact of cold air currents.
  • Waters, on the other hand, symbolize vitality, wealth, and prosperity. Rivers, lakes, or man – made water features near historical buildings are thought to bring a sense of liveliness. In traditional Chinese thinking, the flow of water should be smooth, not stagnant. For instance, the water system around Suzhou gardens is carefully designed.  Small ponds, zigzag water flows and carefully placed rockeries work together to create a peaceful and vibrant atmosphere. Zigzag water flow and elaborate rockeries are considered to be elements that can balance the air and avoid the air being too concentrated or too dispersed. the meandering waterways and meticulously arranged rockeries in Suzhou gardens create a tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere.  The meandering flow of water and the strategic placement of rockeries are believed to balance the qi,  preventing its excessive concentration or dispersal.

• Geological and Soil Conditions

• Geological stability is another important factor considered in Feng Shui – related site selection. Buildings should be constructed on stable ground to avoid problems such as landslides, earthquakes, or subsidence. Soils with good fertility are also preferred because they are thought to promote the healthy flow of “qi.” In some regions, traditional architecture has evolved based on local soil conditions. For example, the cave – dwelling architecture on the Loess Plateau in China is a unique form that takes advantage of the special geological characteristics of loess soil. The thick loess layers are stable and can be easily excavated to form cave dwellings, which also provide good insulation against heat and cold.
• Orientation and Direction

• In Feng Shui, orientation plays a crucial role. The south is generally considered an auspicious direction because it receives ample sunlight, which is associated with warmth, life, and positive energy. Many historical buildings in China are oriented towards the south or southeast. For example, in traditional Chinese courtyard houses (siheyuan), the main living room is often facing south to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. This orientation not only provides a comfortable living environment but also aligns with the Feng Shui concept of yang energy being enhanced in the southern direction.

III. Overall Layout of Historical Buildings Based on Feng Shui

1. Symmetrical Layout Along the Central Axis
   1. Symmetrical layout along the central axis is a prominent feature in many historical buildings, especially palaces and large – scale temples. The central axis is regarded as a connection between heaven and earth, symbolizing order, harmony, and the flow of positive energy. In the Forbidden City, nearly all the buildings are symmetrically arranged along the central axis from south to north. This symmetry creates a sense of grandeur, solemnity, and balance. It is also believed that the symmetrical layout helps to concentrate and stabilize the “qi” within the building complex.
2. Courtyard Combination and Spatial Hierarchy
   -Courtyard combinations are widely used in historical buildings to create spatial hierarchy and promote the flow of qi. Take the traditional Chinese courtyard house as an example, which usually consists of multiple courtyards. The inner courtyard is often more private, while the outer courtyard serves as a transition space. The layout of these courtyards allows for the circulation of air and light, as well as the movement of people and energy. The spatial hierarchy created by the different courtyards also has social implications, with more important rooms and activities located in the inner and more sheltered courtyards.
3. Gate Location and Orientation
   1. The gate in historical buildings is not just an entrance but a crucial Feng Shui element. It is considered as an “energy mouth”, through which positive energy enters the building and negative energy can be kept out. The location and orientation of the gate need to be carefully designed. Gates are often placed on the southeast or south side (in accordance with the yang – related directions) and should avoid being directly opposite to each other between different buildings or being at the end of a long, straight street (to avoid the so – called “shaft – like qi” which is considered inauspicious). In some ancient temples, there are also multiple gates, which are meant to filter and regulate the incoming energy.

IV. Feng Shui – Inspired Architectural Elements in Historical Buildings

1. Roof Design
   1. Roof design in historical buildings is influenced by Feng Shui. The slope and shape of the roof are not only for drainage and aesthetic purposes but also for Feng Shui considerations. Traditional Chinese roofs such as the Xieshan – style roof and the Wudian – style roof have curves that are believed to be able to gather and direct the flow of qi. The roof ridges are often decorated with architectural details that are also related to Feng Shui symbols, such as the dragon motifs representing power and protection.
2. Door and Window Design
   1. Doors and windows are not only for lighting and ventilation but also play a role in Feng Shui regulation. The size, shape, and location of doors and windows are all important. Windows are often designed in shapes like circles or fans, which are considered to promote the circulation of harmonious qi and represent reunion and stability. The height of doors and windows is also often in proportion to the overall building height, following Feng Shui principles.
3. Decorative Elements
   1. Decorative elements in historical buildings often carry Feng Shui meanings. Carvings of mythical animals like dragons, phoenixes, and qilins are common. Dragons are associated with imperial power and the bringing of wealth and prosperity, while phoenixes symbolize beauty, grace, and good marriage prospects. Carved or painted auspicious characters such as “fu” (meaning fortune), “lu” (meaning prosperity), and “shou” (meaning long – life) are also widely used to express people’s desires for a better life.

V. Conclusion

The Feng Shui layout in historical buildings is a comprehensive and complex system that integrates various cultural, philosophical, and practical aspects. It reflects the ancient Chinese people’s deep understanding of nature, their pursuit of harmony between humans and the environment, and their desire for a better life. Studying the Feng Shui layout in historical buildings not only helps us to better understand the history and culture of ancient China but also provides inspiration for modern architecture in terms of environmental harmony and aesthetic design. While some of the Feng Shui concepts may be difficult to fully verify by modern scientific standards, they represent a valuable part of our cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved and explored further.