Fengshui enjoys a rising number of foreign disciples in the city of Shanghai. International firms are leading the way, as many hire fengshui consultants while establishing a Shanghai branch office.

Fengshui is the ancient art of placement in China.

Les Zhao returned from Australia in 1999. He has been invited by 21 foreign-invested companies to help choose an office location and align objects within the office according to fengshui principles.

According to the 45-year-old fengshui consultant, his clients include famous names such as a Dutch brewery, a French supermarket chain and an American design studio.

None of the companies contacted agreed to an interview.

"It is understandable, as they don't want to be involved in any possible trouble," Zhao said.

Having studied fengshui since childhood, he left for Australia in 1987, where he owned a school in which he had 103 students.

His clients included IT workers, business managers and housewives.

Zhao charges at least 2,000 yuan (US$241) per hour for consultation.

Literally translated, feng means wind while shui means water -- the two most important elements in the art that also includes color, objects and space to manipulate natural energy flow for harmony. The result is to maximize one's potential for health or prosperity.

But as it reflects individual desire, people may think it is prudent to refrain from speaking about it, even though they believe the theory, said Zhao.

Expatriates are also attending schools to learn the basics of fengshui.

"Our fengshui lecture last September saw more than 30 expats," said Frankie Lo, director of the China Town Culture Center, a school for foreigners to study Chinese culture.

Yoko Sasagawa, a Japanese woman, said her interest in fengshui started 10 years ago.

(Shanghai Daily March 25, 2004)