Green Grass Lake Introduction
Qingcao Lake is located to the east of Hsinchu City, and it is one of the eight scenic spots of Hsinchu City, situated at a distance from the urban area. Built in 1956, it is one of the earliest developments, created as a reservoir from the convergence of the Juyake Creek. Although the lake is not large, it is surrounded by numerous temples and lush greenery, making it the oldest scenic area in Hsinchu. Near Qingcao Lake, there is the Lingyin Temple, a converted Japanese shrine dedicated to Zhuge Liang, whose wisdom is often praised in the couplets inside the temple that reflect Daoist themes; there is also a campsite under the oil palm tree in front of the temple for camping and barbecue purposes. The scenic beauty of Qingcao Lake, with its mountains and water, is the main attraction for tourists; however, issues such as reservoir siltation, typhoon damage, and illegal constructions upstream have caused a decline in visitors. Recognizing that Qingcao Lake possesses a unique and rich natural lake landscape in Hsinchu City, efforts have been made to restore its beauty. In 2016, the city government completed dredging work and actively improved the surrounding environment and infrastructure, including wooden platforms and lighting, aiming to revive the picturesque landscape of Qingcao Lake and create a quality leisure tourist area. In 2017, the management of water activities in Qingcao Lake was outsourced, and recreational activities began to operate, introducing activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and various other services, allowing the public to enjoy boating while experiencing the scenic beauty of the lake, thus attracting many visitors eager to admire the view.
