What role did mountains and water play in southern Chinese fengshui?

In southern Chinese fengshui—often referred to as the Form school—mountains and water were essential landscape features used to harmonize a site with the earth's vital energy, or qi.1

Because southern landscapes were more irregular than those in the north, practitioners focused on the specific spatial relationships between these natural elements:

• Mountains: These served as protective barriers. In the traditional orientation, the north was associated with dark forces and required the protection of mountains to block them, while the south was considered benign and required openness.1
• Water: The proper flow of water was considered a critical component in determining the auspiciousness of a site.1

By carefully configuring structures in relation to these features, fengshui masters sought to ensure the flow of qi and bring good fortune to the inhabitants. This practice prioritized the harmonious placement of buildings within the natural environment over purely structural engineering, reflecting a deep-seated belief that the physical configuration of a site could influence the fate of those who occupied it.1