Understanding Water in Feng Shui: My Take on Real-World Applications
After studying and practicing many schools of Feng Shui over the years, I’ve come to understand what is real and what is not — and, more importantly, how to apply the right method with precision in different situations and challenges.
Those who follow my work would know that I often emphasize external water as one of the most critical factors. Being in Singapore, a small island surrounded by water, knowing how to harness water flow is a prime application for prosperity. In contrast, Malaysia and Hong Kong enjoy strong mountain formations, and their approaches naturally differ.
In the past two weeks, several clients have asked me:
“How do you analyse water?
How do you tell if it brings prosperity or problems?”
Analysing the Feng Shui of buildings, hotels, and commercial developments has always been my passion. One classical method worth mentioning is the Dragon Gate Eight Formations (龙门八局) — a traditional system that studies how water enters and exits a site based on its sitting and facing directions.
I won’t be translating all the Chinese terms here, but for those who are curious, you can explore and Google the theory in greater depth.
To know whether a formula truly works, it must be tested on real-world examples — successful landmarks, hotels, and commercial centres. I’ve personally conducted many case studies across Singapore and Malaysia. Let’s take a familiar one: Marina Bay Sands (MBS), an integrated resort that needs no introduction.
Having previously rented an office at MBFC, I spent countless hours in the Marina Bay area — jogging, observing, and studying the terrain. It’s a place I know intimately. My office is now located at PLQ (Paya Lebar Quarter), a more client-friendly area that allows easier access and convenience for consultations
Using the formula:
• The integrated resort sits Southeast and faces Northwest
• The incoming water is from the Northwest, and the outgoing water flows towards the East
According to the formula, a sitting Southeast property that receives Northwest water is classified as “Robbery Water” (案劫水), while water exiting to the East is called “Breaking Nobleman Water” (辅卦水) — both traditionally considered unfavourable.
Yet, despite such readings, MBS has thrived for years. So does this mean the formula doesn’t hold true?
Before drawing conclusions, I encourage fellow practitioners to also examine MBFC Tower 2 (HSBC Tower) and MBFC Tower 3 (DBS Tower) using the same principle and see what patterns emerge.
A fair question then follows: are you sure your understanding of 龙门八局 is correct?
If your reading also places MBS’s incoming and outgoing waters as above, there are two possibilities — either this specific application of the method is unsuitable for a modern, engineered waterfront like Marina Bay, or perhaps what was taught may not fully apply in this context.
Of course, every classical formula has its wisdom and place. But as practitioners, it’s equally important to understand context, scale, and modern adaptation — because real-world environments, especially man-made ones, can challenge traditional assumptions. That’s where serious fieldwork and empirical observation truly matter.
Interestingly, this month, two negative incidents were reported at MBS — a fine for a data breach and a fire outbreak in one of the hotels. Could the external Feng Shui of the site have played a role this year? For those truly passionate about the art, or those who practise it professionally, I encourage you to visit the site, observe carefully, and draw your own conclusions.
In conclusion, my philosophy remains simple:
Any Feng Shui theory or formula must be tested, proven, and stand the test of time.
Real Feng Shui is never about memorising formulas. It is about evidence, observation, and application.
Visual reference: Marina Bay Sands area from Google Earth, illustrated with water-flow directions discussed above.
Image source: Google Earth © Google | Compass overlay © Draco Lin Consultancy | Educational Use Only
DRACO LIN
Chinese Metaphysics Expert with
14+ Years of Professional Experience.
Draco Lin is recognized for his skill in simplifying complex Chinese Metaphysics concepts into straightforward, actionable strategies that anyone, including beginners, can grasp. He also excels at connecting these teachings to make them relevant and applicable in the 21st Century.
With a deep interest in Chinese Metaphysics, Draco began his learning journey at a age. He has since dedicated himself to honing his expertise across various areas of Chinese Metaphysics, including I Ching, QiMenDunJia, Bazi, San Yuan/San He Fengshui, and ZiWeiDouShu.
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