Traditional Chinese Site Selection-Feng Shui: An Evolutionary/Ecological Perspective

Abstract

Feng Shui has endured as an art of site selection in East Asia for more than 3,000 years and still remains popular in Chinese societies. It may have positive values for human welfare. This paper argues that Feng Shui has evolutionary and ecological values for selecting optimal human habitations. Certain landscape features signal a suitable habitat that can offer the necessities of life with low risks. Information encouraging exploration identified by evolutionary theory can also be found in an ideal Feng Shui location. Feng Shui integrates both natural and cultural considerations to pursue a harmony and balance between people and nature as well as among people. It not only promotes a close understanding of, and interdependence between, the environment and people but also enforces prudent behavior in terms of resource utilization and cultural values. Feng Slmi has been profoundly interwoven with many aspects of Chinese life and has significantly contributed to a stable and sustainable agricultural civilization. Through objective examination, the usefulness and validity of Feng Shui can be understood. Feng Shui's folk wisdom, which is not yet fully understood, probably is not pure superstition. A synthesis of ancient eastern and modern western perspectives might–provide a more comprehensive understanding of landscapes.