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Main Door (Da Men)

The Main Door (大门, Da Men) is considered the single most important element in yang (living) feng shui. As the primary entry point for Qi, its direction, condition, and relationship to the surrounding environment profoundly influence the entire home's feng shui.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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Main Door — the mouth of Qi in feng shui
On this page
Meaning and ContextClassical RootsDoor Feng Shui ConsiderationsCommon Door TaboosHow It Shows Up in FateFolioSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

In the classical text "Yangzhai Sanyo" (阳宅三要), the main door is listed as the first of the three essential elements of residential feng shui, alongside the master bedroom (主) and kitchen (灶).

The door serves as the "mouth" of the house—just as we nourish our bodies through food intake, a home receives its energy through its main entrance. The quality of this Qi intake affects all aspects of life within.

  • Primary function: Receives Qi from the external environment
  • Direction importance: Determines the type and quality of incoming energy
  • Relationship to interior: Affects Qi distribution throughout the home
  • Symbolic significance: Represents opportunities and the face of the household
Classical importance
The Yangzhai Sanyo specifically states: "门者，气口也" (The door is the mouth of Qi). This elevates the door above almost all other feng shui considerations.

Classical Roots

Classical texts consistently prioritize the door:

From Yangzhai Sanyo
「阳宅三要者，门、主、灶是也。」
Plain translation
"The three essentials of yang dwelling are: the door, the master room, and the stove."

The door comes first in this list, reflecting its primacy in feng shui assessment and adjustment.

Door Feng Shui Considerations

Key factors in assessing the main door:

  • Facing direction: Determines which Qi energy the door receives (based on compass)
  • External view: What the door faces (park, road, building, etc.)
  • Obstructions: Pillars, trees, or objects blocking the door
  • Alignment: Avoid direct alignment with back door (Qi rushes through)
  • Size: Proportional to the house; not too large or too small
  • Condition: Must be well-maintained, clean, and functional

Problems with the main door can affect multiple life areas: career, relationships, health, and finances.

Common Door Taboos

Traditional feng shui identifies several door-related issues:

  1. Door facing elevator: Rushing Qi when doors open
  2. Door aligned with staircase: Qi flows out quickly
  3. Door facing another door: "Fighting doors" cause conflict
  4. Door facing toilet: Negative Qi enters home
  5. Door blocked by pillar: Career obstacles
  6. Door facing sharp corner: Sharp Corner Sha (尖角煞)
Practical note
Many door issues can be addressed with screens, plants, or a well-designed foyer (玄关) that creates a buffer zone.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, main door analysis includes:

  • Assessment of door facing direction and its implications
  • Identification of external factors affecting door Qi
  • Detection of door taboos and problematic alignments
  • Specific remedies and adjustments for door issues

Sources and Quotes

References include the classical Yangzhai Sanyo. Door analysis is fundamental across all feng shui schools.

Quoted excerpts

「阳宅三要者，门、主、灶是也。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 阳宅三大要素是门、主卧和厨房。
「门者，气口也。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 门是气的出入口。

FAQ

What is the best direction for a main door to face?

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There is no universally "best" direction—it depends on multiple factors including the house's overall orientation, the owner's personal Gua number, and the external environment. Generally, doors facing auspicious directions based on Eight Mansions calculations, with clear views and good Ming Tang, are favorable. A qualified assessment considers your specific situation.

My door faces an elevator. How serious is this?

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Door facing elevator is considered a feng shui concern because elevator doors opening create sudden bursts of Qi directed at your entrance. The severity depends on distance and how directly aligned they are. Remedies include: using a screen or plant between door and elevator, keeping your door closed when not in use, or creating a strong foyer buffer zone inside.