Green Grass Lake Introduction
Cypress Lake is located to the east of Hsinchu City and is one of the eight scenic spots in Hsinchu. Established in 1956, it was developed early on as a reservoir formed by the convergence of the Yake River. The lake is not large, but it is surrounded by numerous temples and lush greenery, making it the oldest scenic area in Hsinchu. Near Cypress Lake, there is the Lingyin Temple, which was converted from a Japanese Shinto shrine and is dedicated to Zhuge Kongming. The couplets in the temple often praise his divine strategy and wisdom, reflecting a blend of Taoist elements. In front of Lingyin Temple, under the oil palm tree, there is a campsite for camping and barbecuing. The beautiful mountain and water scenery of Cypress Lake is the main attraction for tourists; however, due to reservoir siltation, typhoon damage, and upstream overdevelopment, visitor numbers have declined. Recognizing that Cypress Lake possesses a unique natural landscape that belongs exclusively to Hsinchu City, efforts have been made to restore its scenic beauty. In 2016, the city government completed dredging work and actively improved surrounding facilities such as wooden platforms and lighting to recreate the enchanting scenery of Cypress Lake and develop a quality tourist and recreational area. In 2017, the management of water-based activities at Cypress Lake was contracted out, and recreational activities began operations, offering diverse services such as stand-up paddling (SUP) and allowing the public to enjoy the fun of boating while experiencing the picturesque scenery, which has attracted many tourists.
