Many Fengshui masters have established consultancy firms, offering advice on issues such as career, marriage, health, debt, investment, study and names according to Fengshui principles.

More than 1,000 Feng Shui guides work in agencies in Shanghai, according to Wang Xiaohe, manager of a Shanghai-based Feng Shui company.

"Feng Shui is widely applied in interior decorating and real estate, so it has attracted many estate agents and entrepreneurs," says Wang.

Feng Shui is the ancient practice derived from the ideas in the Book of Change, an ancient Chinese divination and philosophical manual.

It involves ensuring a good flow of energy, or qi. Buildings and other structures need to face certain directions depending on their surroundings. Elements such as wood, fire and earth have to be carefully balanced.

It is necessary to avoid random and haphazard arrangements of furniture and accessories according to Feng Shui guides.

Wang says many entrepreneurs will consult on the future of their businesses, while estate agents are more likely to consult on the position of furniture and the environment of their projects.

Consultants usually charge 30 yuan (3.75 U.S. dollars) per square meter for property advice and 300 yuan (37.5 U.S. dollars) per half hour for other services.

Advice on the name of a person or a company can cost from 800 to 1,800 yuan (225 U.S. dollars), Wang said, adding prices are negotiable according to the customer's means.

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