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)