To determine the facing and sitting directions of your building, a detailed and logical analysis is required . The "sitting" of a building is the opposite side to the facing, or having a compass direction 180º from the facing.

In ancient times, it was fairly straightforward to to say which way a house faced because houses were built in a straightforward way. With architectural shapes and structures having become more complicated, urbanization having reached its peaks, it has become more difficult to determine the facing side.

Identifying a building's facing can be the easiest part of your survey, it can also be the most demanding. It cannot - or hardly ever - be done from a floorplan. It requires a person to be actually present at the site. The descriptions and explanations given here could never be complete and should not in any way be taken as covering all possibilities and exceptions. However, this should give you a preliminary diagnosis.

Remember that:
ANY BUILDING HAS ONLY ONE FACING SIDE

Three factors determine the facing for most cases

1. Which side has the most light entering the building, or the most windows?
2. Which side attracts the most ‘human’ activity, ie where do visitors enter/exit or congregate?
3. Which side has a road passing by or approaching?

In most cases the answer is simple and apparent but for properties where it is unclear, the above factors should help you to decide.

In Chinese terms, the facing side is the most Yang, or active side, whilst the sitting is the most Yin, or inactive side. Where the facing is unclear it can help to identify which is the sitting side and interpolate.

For apartment style buildings or office blocks, facing is often not where the main entrance is, the facing side of the unit is usually where most of the windows and the balcony are located. Different units can have different facings within the same building.

If you are in any doubt, please don't hesitate to ask for a visit to verify your findings.