Feng Shui is the traditional Chinese art of creating a
harmonious environment, but an upcoming world intangible heritage
application has triggered controversy over its place in China's
cultural heritage.
A Shanghai committee is preparing to apply to have Feng Shui
listed on the UNESCO world intangible heritage list. They consider
Feng Shui one of China's most precious treasures but other experts
strongly object to the application, arguing Feng Shui is no more
than superstition.
The committee believes Feng Shui is as valuable as the Kun
opera, which has world intangible heritage listing. They say it is
a science, not a superstition.
Professor Zhang Zhizhe from Huadong Normal University's History
department insists Feng Shui is a valuable treasure that should not
be lost. He says only people who misunderstand the practice
consider it a superstition. He argues it is a science based on the
study of living places, as well as the relationship between people
and nature.
Professor Gu Xiaoming from Fudan University is unconvinced by
these claims. He suggests researchers conduct a full analysis of
Feng Shui practices to determine their validity.
(CRI.com December 18, 2006)