What is Wu Hing?

Wu Hing (sometimes spelt "Wu Xing") simply means "five elements". In Chinese philosophy, the world is divided into the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

These elements represent the forces of nature and are used in Chinese medicine, astrology and Feng Shui.

The game of Wu Hing is based on the constant interplay of these elements, as illustrated in the Wu Hing diagram opposite.

The green arrows show the cycle of creation (called Seng):

• Wood creates Fire (wood burns to give fire)
• Fire creates Earth (ashes from fire make up earth)
• Earth creates Metal (earth gives rise to metal)
• Metal creates Water (water springs up from the earth & it's metals)
• Water creates Wood (plants require water for nourishment)

The red arrows show the destructive cycle (called Ko):

• Wood destroys Earth (roots destroy the earth)
• Earth destroys Water (earth soaks up water)
• Water destroys Fire (water dowses fire)
• Fire destroys Metal (fire melts metal)
• Metal destroys Wood (metal cuts wood)

Return to Wu Hing: The Five Elements game information.