Rush Grass Culture Museum

Early Yuanli was known as the 'Town of Rush Grass.' As soon as you stepped into Yuanli, you would see many rush grass plants cultivated in the fields. Because the stems of rush grass are soft yet tough, and have dehumidifying and deodorizing properties, they were highly suitable for weaving. Thus, as early as the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, local women were already using rush grass to weave mats. Through development and refinement, beautiful rush grass hats were developed during the Japanese colonial era. Due to their light texture and natural grassy fragrance, they became a specialty product marketed globally. In 1936 (the 25th year of the Republic of China), the export of straw hats reached its peak, with annual sales exceeding ten million hats. At that time, simply having one woman in the family who could weave rush grass was enough to sustain the entire household. Therefore, the traditional societal concept of male superiority and female inferiority did not apply in Yuanli Township. There was even a popular folk song that advocated 'preferring daughters over sons,' which gives a glimpse into the prosperity of that era. As times evolved, traditional hand-weaving was gradually replaced by machinery, and rising wages led women to choose factory work over weaving rush grass at home. Rush grass fields became increasingly scarce, and the entire industry faded into history. To preserve these memories, the Yuanli Township Farmers' Association specifically established the 'Rush Grass Cultural Museum,' hoping to showcase Yuanli's local characteristics and ensure the sustainable transmission of this traditional cultural craft. The Rush Grass Culture Museum covers an area of approximately 330 square meters and is located next to the Yuanli Township Farmers' Association's Shanjiao Office. It was renovated and re-planned from an idle farmers' association warehouse, featuring a red brick exterior. The interior space is divided into different themed areas, including the Hat and Mat Culture Zone, Exhibition and Sales Area, Rural Ancient Artifacts Exhibition Zone, Rice Culture Zone, and Folk Culture Zone, which narrate the entire history of rush grass weaving to the public. Additionally, there are a Hat and Mat Weaving Demonstration Area and a DIY classroom, allowing visitors to not only observe but also gain a closer understanding of the industry through hands-on activities. Outside the museum, many rush grass plants and Huoyanshan red pines are cultivated, forming a beautiful landscape with the adjacent rice field art. Since the scenery changes with the seasons, it is the best way for the public to truly understand rush grass.