Geomancy
WHS which contain an example of "Geomancy" in their physical design, layout or in situ artwork. The generic term "Geomancy" encompasses the adoption of such practices across all cultures and is not limited to e.g Feng Shui. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geomancy
Connected Sites
| Site | Rationale | Link |
| Ancient Kyoto | the whole city originally planned under Chinese Feng Shui, one of the element of original plan that still remain is To-ji Temple | |
| Ancient Nara | the original city was planned under Chinese Feng Shui, two sites from the original directional plan that still remain are Heijokyo Palace and Todaiji Temple | |
| Changdeokgung Palace Complex | "Situated at the foot of a mountain range, it was designed to embrace the topography in accordance with pungsu principles, by placing the palace structures to the south and incorporating an extensive rear garden to the north called Biwon, the Secret Garden. Adaptation to the natural terrain distinguished Changdeokgung from conventional palace architecture." (UNESCO) | |
| Citadel of the Ho Dynasty | laid out according to feng shui principles (AB ev) | |
| Fujian Tulou | ||
| Hahoe and Yangdong | "The two villages faithfully follow pungsu principle (traditional siting principle, feng shui in Chinese), in village construction. One sits along a river and one at the foot of mountains, thus demonstrating best examples of desirable clan village locations." - Nomination File | |
| Hué | "The structures of The Complex of Huế Monuments are carefully placed within the natural setting of the site and aligned with the concept of oriential geomancy and Five elements[3] which including Five Cardinal Points (center, west, east, north, south), the Five Elements (earth, metal, wood, water, fire), and the Five Colors (yellow, white, blue, black, red)" (Wiki) | |
| Imperial Palace | ||
| Imperial Tombs | "Constructed for the founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their ancestors, the tombs follow the precepts of traditional Chinese geomancy and fengshui theory" (UNESCO) | |
| Jongmyo Shrine | "Jongmyo and its grounds occupy a 19.4 ha oval site. The buildings are set in valleys and surrounded by low hills, with artificial additions built to reinforce the site’s balance of natural elements, in accordance with traditional pungsu principles. " (UNESCO) | |
| Kaesong | "Construction on the palace began in 919, at the beginning of the Goryeo dynasty; it was built south of the Songak mountains for good feng shui." - wiki / "The integration of Buddhist, Confucian, Taoist and geomantic concepts is manifest in the planning of the site and the architecture of its monuments" (UNESCO) | |
| Kaiping Diaolou | ||
| Melaka and George Town | Georgetown, Malaysia - Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion | |
| Nikko | Nikko was chosen by Tokugawa himself as a final resting place. It wasn't that he had any particular liking for the place but in the Chinese tradition of feng shui, Nikko served as the perfect place for Tokugawa's spirit to act as a guardian spirit over the city of Edo and the Tokugawa Shogunate | |
| Quanzhou | Wanshou Pagoda: "According to ancient feng shui geomantic theory, this area is considered as the "water exit" or outlet of Quanzhou. Building a pagoda in such location could lock the outlet and ensure safety. (Nomination file, p. 255) | |
| Royal Joseon Tombs | "The Joseon Royal Tombs reflect how pungsu (fengshui in Chinese), the principle of geomancy, was applied in their site selection. As a result, the Royal Tombs are discreetly scattered around the capital area." - Nomination File | |
| Seowon, Neo-Confucian Academies | ||
| Site of Xanadu | ||
| Temple of Heaven | The park contains three main groups of buildings, all constructed according to strict feng shui requirements: the Earthly Mount, the House of Heavenly Lord, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (see link) | |
| Xidi and Hongcun |
Suggestions?
Do you know of another WHS we could connect to Geomancy?
A connection should:
- Not be "self evident"
- Link at least 3 different sites
- Not duplicate or merely subdivide the "Category" assignment already identified on this site.
- Add some knowledge or insight (whether significant or trivial!) about WHS for the users of this site
- Be explained, with reference to a source