Can a Chinese culture quiz stump a Malaysian influencer with 10 million followers? At Guangzhou's Chen Clan Academy, South reporter Nick put Jordan Yeoh to the test, exploring the hidden meanings behind traditional Chinese architectural decorations.
In the first episode of the Chinese Culture Quiz Challenge, the two turned a visit to the historic site into a lively game of True or False, uncovering the good wishes hidden in its intricate carvings and sculptures.
The first question was a warm-up: was the Chen Clan Academy originally built as a school? Jordan suspected otherwise, correctly recognizing that it was a place associated with the Chen family. Nick then explained that the complex was built as an ancestral hall and also provided accommodation for clan members traveling to Guangzhou to prepare for the imperial examinations.
But the real challenge lay in the details decorating the buildings. "True or false? Bats symbolize bad luck," Nick asked. "False," Jordan replied confidently.
He was right. In Chinese, the word for bat, bianfu (蝙蝠), contains the sound "fu," which is also the pronunciation of 福, meaning good fortune or blessings. As a result, bats often appear in traditional Chinese art as auspicious symbols, representing wishes for happiness and good luck.
Jordan even joked that he wanted to become Batman after learning about the symbolism.
The next question focused on an unusual roof ornament: the Ao fish, or Ao Yu (鳌鱼). The Ao fish is associated with the Chinese idiom du zhan ao tou (独占鳌头), which means coming first in a competition or examination. The decoration therefore conveys a wish for family members to excel academically, succeed in the imperial examinations and achieve distinction.
Beyond their artistic beauty, the decorations at the Chen Clan Academy offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese values and aspirations. From bats representing good fortune to Ao fish symbolizing success, these details turn architecture into a visual language of blessings passed down through generations.
The quiz also shows how exploring cultural heritage can be both educational and entertaining. By turning historical details into an interactive challenge, Nick and Jordan invited viewers to look beyond the surface and discover the stories hidden in traditional Chinese architecture.
And this is only Part One. More cultural symbols—and more chances to test your knowledge—are still to come.
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Cameraman | Li Fangwang, Xu Anrui
Video editor | Li Fangwang
Poster | Li Fangwang
Photos | Li Fangwang
