Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to utilize the laws of both Heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive Chi (energy). The term feng shui literally translates as "wind-water" in English. Chi rides the wind and catters, but is retained when encountering water.

Traditional feng shui practice always requires an extremely accurate Chinese compass in order to determine the directions in finding any auspicious sector in a desired location.

Although feng shui is conceptually similar to its Indian counterpart Vaastu Shastra in that they both try to harmonize the flow of life-energy (Chi in Chinese or prana in Sanskrit) through the house, it differs in the details, such as the exact directions in which various objects, rooms, materials etc are to be placed.