As a enduring center of trade and culture in Southeast Asia, Hanoi bears clear influence from Chinese architectural practices. Most prominently, the Old Quarter features many buildings incorporating fengshui, the Chinese art and pseudoscience of orienting structures auspiciously to channel positive energy called qi. This article explores how classical fengshui ideals shaped Hanoi’s ancient dwellings and communal buildings into charming wonders that delight visitors today.
Brief History of Fengshui and Its Arrival in Hanoi
Emerging over 3,000 years ago in China, fengshui literally translates to “wind-water” – the natural flows believed to carry qi that people should harmonize with. By carefully assessing terrain and designing homes, temples, palaces and tombs to leverage qi energy, health, success and good fortune follows. As Chinese traders and migrants settled in Hanoi centuries ago, they brought fengshui with them. Buildings evolved fusing Vietnamese and Chinese style while retaining fengshui principles at the core.
Integration of Fengshui in Tube House Architecture
The tube house is perhaps Hanoi’s most iconic Old Quarter contribution. These long, tall row houses were an efficient use of narrow plots. Tube houses also cleverly manifested key Chinese fengshui strategies:
– Aligning buildings with natural water flows – most tube houses orient perpendicular to the Red River – Central courtyards enhance qi flow between units – Asymmetry avoids stagnant energies – Angled roofs enabled houses to gather qi from the heavens
Impacts of Fengshui on Communal Building Design
In addition to residences, Old Quartercommunal buildings reveal heavy Chinese fengshui influence in location, layout and accents. These historic structures with versatile community functions often hosted markets and operas, stored goods, or offered lodging for travelers.
– Auspicious positions near plazas and water sources for connectivity – Open courtyards prevent trapped qi – Elevated floors permit qi flow underneath – Decorative elements beckon positive qi – South-facing entrances summon fortune
Reasons Why Fengshui Persists in Hanoi’s Old Architecture
Beyond basic shelter needs, Hanoi’s old dwellings fused fengshui artfully into their blueprint. The philosophy’s integration indicates inhabitants valued harmony between structures and environment for optimal prosperity. Chinese Fengshui’s lasting imprint serves as quiet testimony to its subtle impacts aligning with spiritual intent in Hanoi’s historic built fabric for over a century. The visual charm and qi energy fengshui ushered to endure in Hanoi’s Old Quarter today. If you are in Vietnam and interested in discovering more about Hanoi – the capital and its significance, we invite you to join us at Free Walking Tours Hanoi. We’ll take you across the building, and provide you with a unique perspective of the city. Book now and don’t miss out on this amazing experience.
