The rush plant used, known as 'Triangle Rush' (Cyperus malaccensis), grows best in the specific climate and soil conditions of the Yuanli wetlands.
During the early 20th century, Yuanli-made rush hats were one of Taiwan's top three export items, alongside sugar and rice.
The museum building was repurposed from an old Farmers' Association granary, maintaining the original architectural footprint.
The triangular stems of the rush plant must be carefully split into thin strands before they can be hand-woven.
High-quality rush hats are known for their durability and natural cooling properties, often compared to Panama hats in terms of prestige during the historical peak of the industry.
The Yuanli Rush Grass Cultural Museum is dedicated to the preservation and history of the triangular rush weaving industry, a traditional craft native to Miaoli County. Housed in a renovated rice granary, the museum details the botanical characteristics of Cyperus malaccensis, the plant used for weaving. Exhibits display the evolution of tools and techniques, transitioning from domestic household production to the development of the Yuanli Hat Export industry during the Japanese colonial period. The facility features permanent galleries highlighting the intricate weaving processes, ranging from simple mats to complex, high-quality hats. Visitors can observe the raw material processing, including the sun-drying and softening stages required before weaving can commence. Interactive displays and historical documents illustrate the economic impact this craft had on local families over the last century.
The outdoor installation area featuring large-scale, woven rush-style sculptures and traditional weaving tools.
Check the schedule for live weaving demonstrations, which are sometimes held on weekends.
Visit the onsite shop to purchase locally handmade rush products directly from the artisans.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding rice paddies for scenic landscape photography.
Do not mistake the museum for a large-scale commercial factory; it is a small, heritage-focused space.
Closed on Mondays.
