Green Grass Lake Introduction
Qingcao Lake is located to the east of Hsinchu City, one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hsinchu City. Built in 1956, it was developed early on as a reservoir formed by the convergence of the Yake River. Although the lake is not large, it is surrounded by numerous temples and lush greenery, making it the oldest scenic area in Hsinchu. Nearby the Qingcao Lake Scenic Area is the Lingyin Temple, which was converted from a Japanese shrine and is dedicated to Zhuge Kongming. The couplets inscribed within the temple often praise his wisdom and strategy, reflecting some Daoist elements. In front of Lingyin Temple, under the olive tree, there is a campsite available for camping and barbequing. The picturesque scenery of Qingcao Lake, with its mountains and water, is a major draw for tourists; however, due to sedimentation of the reservoir, typhoon damage, and rampant construction upstream, visitor numbers have diminished. Recognizing that Qingcao Lake boasts a rich natural landscape unique to the city of Hsinchu, efforts to restore its beauty were initiated. In 2016, the city government completed dredging work and actively improved the surrounding environment and infrastructure, including wooden platforms and lighting, striving to bring back the lake's scenic charm and create a quality tourism and recreation area. In 2017, the operation of recreational activities on Qingcao Lake was outsourced, and water-based activities began, with operators introducing stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and diverse recreational services, allowing the public to enjoy the fun of boating while taking in the beautiful scenery, which in turn attracted many tourists.
