Green Grass Lake Introduction
Qingcao Lake is located to the east of Hsinchu City and is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hsinchu City. Built in 1956, it was developed early and formed by the aggregation of the Yake Creek reservoir. The lake is not large, but surrounded by numerous temples and lush greenery, making it the oldest scenic area in Hsinchu. Near Qingcao Lake, there is the Lingyin Temple, converted from a Japanese shrine, which enshrines Zhuge Kongming. The couplets in the temple often praise his ingenuity and strategy, displaying a flavor of Taoist culture; there is also a camping area under the oil tree in front of Lingyin Temple for camping and barbecuing. The picturesque mountains and waters of Qingcao Lake are the main attractions for tourists. Unfortunately, due to sedimentation of the reservoir, typhoon damage, and illegal constructions upstream, tourist visits have waned. Recognizing the uniquely rich natural lake landscape of Hsinchu City, efforts have been made to restore the beautiful scenery of Qingcao Lake, which features lakeside views, mountains, and reflections of boats. In 2016, the city government completed dredging work and actively improved the surrounding environment and infrastructure, such as wooden platforms and lighting, striving to recreate the beauty of Qingcao Lake and establish a high-quality recreational area. In 2017, the operation of recreational activities on the waters of Qingcao Lake was outsourced, and water recreation activities began, introducing stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and diverse recreational services, allowing the public to enjoy the fun of boating and experience the beautiful landscapes, thus attracting many visitors who came to admire the scenery.
