On the eve of Qixi Valentine’s Day, visit the hometown of the Weaving Maid. The Hemei Township Office in Changhua County has held the “Qixi Festival Tour in Hemei – Family Cycling Adventure” every August since 2010. This year marks its 10th anniversary, with 1,500 participants gathering at the playground of Heren Elementary School on the 4th. Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huimei personally attended and fired the starting gun.
In earlier years, Hemei Township had the highest number of textile factories in Taiwan, and its “Hemei woven fabrics” were famous across the island. To this day, textiles remain an important local industry. The township office has been actively promoting Hemei’s image as the “hometown of the Weaving Maid.” Since 2010, it has organized the Qixi Festival Tour in Hemei, with the Changhua County Cycling Sports Association handling the event. Each year features a different route that combines leisure, fitness, and an in-depth exploration of local culture and scenery.
Magistrate Wang Huimei expressed gratitude to Chen Qin-zhu, president of the association, and its secretary-general Tsai Kuo-yang for their long-term efforts in promoting cycling. Every year, they carefully plan diverse routes that take participants through many locally distinctive attractions, also incorporating elements of local education. This year’s ride covered approximately 20 kilometers, providing more teenagers with a healthy recreational activity during the summer break. Rumors suggest a funding shortage might halt next year’s event? She emphasized that the county government will fully assist the township office in securing funds to ensure the event continues annually.
Hemei Township Mayor Yuen Hou-chue noted that the annual Qixi Festival Tour in Hemei promotes the charm of the small town through leisure sports. In previous years, cycling routes mainly passed by temples of the Earth God, traditional houses, and police stations. This year, marking the 10th anniversary, the route was specially arranged to pass by his childhood home, as well as the homes or residences of former and current mayors and county magistrates—adding a special significance.