What is the significance of bats in Chinese culture or folklore?

I recently went to a chinese home decor store and found these beautiful wood carvings with bats in it. At first it kind of creeped me out because bats remind me of horror movies and the occult. But the carvings were beautifully done and I wanted to purchase them, but i was reluctant because I'm not sure what they signify in Chinese folklore. I know that cranes symbolize longevity, fish prosperity and abundance, elephants wisdom. They're not in the carvings just randomly. I know they mean something and I won't hang them in my home until I find out exactly what they mean and how they signify their meaning. In feng shui, I know such symbolisms in the home will bring good fortune and sometimes bad luck.