The Chinese have long conceived of a magical link between mankind and the landscape – that mankind is an integral part of the universe, is swept along and controlled by its flow, and shares its fate. Feng Shui springs from these ideas and seeks to enhance and harmonise with the environment rather than deplete and dominate it. In this sense the ancient Feng Shui practitioners were early environmentalists.
 

Literally translated Feng Shui means wind and water. This is a cultural shorthand taken from the following passage of the Zangshu (Book of Burial) by Guo Pu of the Jin Dynasty: 

Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water 

It refers to the collection and dispersion of energy. However it also relates to the idea that the landscape has always been, and still is, eroded by the forces of wind and water. Humankind must find a balanced way to live in this changing environment. So, for instance, it was long ago discovered that a house situated halfway up a hill on the north side of the river facing south received optimal sun, was protected from harsh winds, avoided floods and still had access to water crops – and so it was easier to survive.

From these simple observations that people are affected for good or ill by their surroundings grew the goal of Feng Shui – complete harmony with the natural order, which brings prosperity, health and happiness.