The main principles of feng shui
Chinese geomancy based on the direction of the winds (風, fēng) and the orientation of the waters (水, shuǐ), feng shui relies on the theory of the five elements of metal, earth, wood, fire and water, as well as on the principle of Yin and Yang.
This discipline is based on the belief that the universe and all its constituent elements are animated by a vital energy, called Qi (気), a kind of creative force, a flow of energies. The aim of feng shui is to identify and maximize positive energies while minimizing the impact of negative ones.
A Chinese tradition with deep roots in Hong Kong, it is based on a dualistic conception of the world, in which two opposing principles balance each other. According to feng shui, Yin, the feminine principle, and Yang, the masculine principle, are present in all things, in varying proportions, and the harmony of the two principles can only come from the constant search for balance between these forces, which are at once opposing and complementary. Feng shui aims to achieve this balance in living and working spaces, and even in an entire city like Hong Kong. It is concerned with space, with the indoor and outdoor environments in which people live. As a result, each place or person has its own feng shui, which is more or less good or bad.
In addition to yin and yang, feng shui also takes into account the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), each associated with a direction, color, shape and emotion. For example, wood is associated with the east, the color green, and growth, while metal is linked to the west, the color white and clarity. The appropriate use of these elements in the design of a space is essential to allow the energy, the Qi, to circulate correctly and foster a harmonious environment. As feng shui has evolved, it has become increasingly complex, and several schools have emerged, each with its own masters and different explanations.
Feng shui in everyday life
In Hong Kong, feng shui is not just a spiritual or philosophical practice, it's a way of life that touches every aspect of society. Hong Kongers often consult feng shui masters for important decisions, whether it's buying or renting an apartment, choosing a wedding date, arranging an office or bedroom, or, in the business world, determining the best date for a product launch or the best location for new offices.
Feng shui consultations take place in several stages. When a person wishes to purchase a new property, the master begins by studying the plans for the dwelling, analyzing the figures and orientation. Next, he selects the most favorable locations, and an on-site visit is made to refine the energy analysis. This practice ensures that the energy of the site is beneficial to the future inhabitants, promoting their well-being and prosperity.
In the daily lives of Hong Kongers, feng shui manifests itself in many ways. The arrangement of furniture in a house, the choice of colors, or the place given to symbolic objects are often determined by the principles of feng shui. For example, a Ba Gua mirror - octagonal in shape, it is one of feng shui's most famous symbols of protection, along with wind chimes and statues of certain deities - can be placed at the entrance to a house to repel negative energies, while carefully chosen plants are arranged to improve the flow of Qi. Here's a list of some precepts: blue and green are soothing colors and reduce stress; living spaces should be clean and tidy so as not to block the flow of Qi; sharp or pointed angles are to be avoided as they give off negative energy, preferring rounded objects or living spaces; natural light and good ventilation improve mood.
Feng shui also influences the choice of dates for important events. Times of year are carefully selected for events such as weddings, moves or the opening of a new business. Many Hong Kongers consult feng shui masters to choose the most auspicious date, ensuring that the energy of the universe is in harmony with their plans. Today, with the growing popularity of feng shui, many uncertified consultants claim to be experts. This has led to a proliferation of bogus feng shui masters, making it difficult for Hong Kongers seeking genuine advice. Nevertheless, those who are truly qualified continue to play a crucial role in Hong Kong society, preserving the authenticity and value of this ancient art.
On the Kowloon side, you can still see elderly people carrying a bird on their shoulder in a beautifully decorated cage. This is because birds, like goldfish, are prized for their excellent feng shui. They protect houses from evil spirits.
On a daily basis in Hong Kong, feng shui also has close links with traditional Chinese medicine. And the body is to Chinese medicine what the environment is to feng shui: a set of energy flows, the Qi, which must be harmonized and balanced to prevent certain illnesses. Acupuncture, for example, uses needles on certain points of the body to stimulate and unblock the Qi in the body.
Feng shui and Hong Kong architecture
Feng shui also plays a crucial role in Hong Kong's architectural design. Feng shui masters are often consulted ahead of construction projects to determine the location, orientation and layout of buildings. These experts ensure that buildings respect the principles of feng shui to attract prosperity and avoid misfortune. For example, the height of a building, its shape and even the materials used can be influenced by feng shui. In this respect, the presence of the financial center at Central and Admiralty is no coincidence. This district is considered to be under the protection of the dragon, a mythical creature whose energy promotes success and prosperity. It's not uncommon for entrepreneurs of skyscraper projects to turn to a feng shui master to consolidate their project and provide it with good feng shui before starting construction. As a result, major works such as the airport runway or the development of new districts have been suspended for several months in order not to disturb the dragon's rest.
The HSBC Tower, designed by British architect Norman Foster, is located in the heart of Central and is renowned for its excellent feng shui, promoting the prosperity of the financial institution it houses. The tower's entrance is framed by two bronze lions, a feng shui symbol of protection. Tradition has it that passers-by stroke these two statues for good luck. The bank's first floor is completely open, allowing optimal circulation of air and energy flows, between the mountain on one side and the sea on the other. Finally, to prove that feng shui is a serious business in Hong Kong, legend has it that the two cannons on its roof are aimed at the Bank of China Tower to counteract its bad feng shui.
Designed by the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, the Bank of China Tower is a very interesting example of the impact of feng shui on architecture. Although this building is a masterpiece of modern architecture, it is often criticized for its "aggressive" feng shui. The tower's sharp angles and structure are reminiscent of knife blades. It is therefore considered to generate negative energies, which not only affect the building itself but also "cut" the luck of its neighbors, notably the former British governor's residence where the Chief Executive now lives. To mitigate these negative effects, various feng shui remedies have been applied, such as the installation of mirrors and trees.
The two towers of the Lippo Center, in Admiralty, are another striking case of the influence of feng shui on architecture in Hong Kong. With its angular shapes and unique silhouette, the Lippo Center is often associated with bad feng shui, which some believe explains the bankruptcy of some of the companies that have been housed there, or the difficulty some offices have had in finding tenants...
Even more unusual is the presence of "dragon doors" in certain Hong Kong buildings. These architectural openings - literally a large rectangular hole in the building - are designed to allow this mythical flying creature to pass from its mountain-top home (Victoria Peak, for example) to the water of the bay, without disturbing it or unbalancing the relationship between the natural environment - the mountains and the sea - and the buildings. Hong Kong's prosperity would depend on the dragon's well-being.
Tip: guided tours of emblematic feng shui sites are organized by HKTB (in English) and Hong Kong à la carte (in French).
A city under the sign of feng shui
In Hong Kong, nothing is left to chance. Feng shui is considered a crucial element of urban development, and architects and planners alike must take its principles into account when designing buildings. This approach has shaped Hong Kong's unique skyline, where modern skyscrapers stand side by side with public spaces carefully designed to promote harmony between man and nature. If they wish to garner both the esteem of the population and the benevolence of the deities, entrepreneurs must build their titanic constructions according to the code of Chinese geomancy. A beneficial site must therefore have wind, water and mountains. This is strikingly similar to the situation in Hong Kong. In fact, according to geomancers, this is undoubtedly the main reason for the territory's prosperity... In short, feng shui, far from being a mere superstition, is a practice deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture. Its influence extends far beyond architecture, touching every aspect of daily life. In Hong Kong, feng shui is an art of living that guides personal and professional choices, ensuring that every decision is made in harmony with the forces of nature. This unique fusion of tradition and modernity makes Hong Kong a truly unique and inspiring city.
