Feng shui controversial in China

NANJING, China, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- The art of feng shui, which originated in China but was later banned there by communists as "feudal superstition" is causing controversy in China.

Although decorators of fashionable homes worldwide have embraced feng shui, a decision by a Chinese university to teach a course in feng shui and architecture has spurred a furious debate, reported the Daily Telegraph Saturday.

One side feels the design principles are only superstitious nonsense, while the other feels it is part of an ancient Chinese culture that helps create balance and harmony in buildings.

"China's reconstruction is rapid and if we copy only Western architecture and ignore Chinese culture, that is no good," said Xu Xixian, a professor at Nanjing University, who is to teach the feng shui course.

"Many buildings have ignored feng shui, and the effects will be felt."