The Yan Nian sector (延年) in 8 mansions feng shui is often known as the longevity area.
Even though the word longevity is associated to health related topics in modern times, Yan Nian (YN) is a sector identified in 8 mansions more as a relationships and harmony area.
So the word longevity is used to describe the longevity of happiness in relationships.
The strength of this energy source is considered as average, not at the high levels of Sheng Qi and Tian Yi.
While the Tian Yi sector brings the luck of meeting people, Yan Nian brings the luck of maintaining relationships with your family, friends and people you meet.
So in many cases, this can be the most important sector for people who are in careers related to maintaining long term relationships with their clients such as private bankers, insurance agents, partnerships, joint ventures, and other forms of key account salespeople, etc.
It is also appropriate for those pursuing studies and tests.
YN is of metal element and linked to the military star (武曲星).
The following table shows where the YN sector is located depending on the Gua of the house in question.
| Sitting | Gua | YN | Trigram |
| N | 1 | S | Kan |
| SW | 2 | NW | Kun |
| E | 3 | SE | Zhen |
| SE | 4 | E | Xun |
| NW | 6 | SW | Qian |
| W | 7 | NE | Dui |
| NE | 8 | W | Gen |
| S | 9 | N | Li |
The technical method to identify the YN sector of the house is to change all 4 of the yao lines of the trigram that represents a house.
For example, a Li house would have the trigram ☲. When all 3 yao lines are changed from yin to yang and yang to yin, we obtain the Kan trigram. This leads us to the north direction which would be where the YN sector would be in this house.
When this sector lies in an area of affliction, it can result in disharmony, disputes, conflicts, problems with the law, etc.
As a positive sector, the YN area is suitable for all types of living areas.
However, it is most useful for dining areas, dining rooms, and basically where the dining table is located as that is a space that usually sees the most time where the most number of family members gather together.
In the office, yan nian is a very appropriate area for planning spaces where staff take a break and socialize. This can mean the rest area, pantry, and other types of staff-only areas.