Green Grass Lake Introduction
Qingcaohu, located to the east of Hsinchu City, is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Hsinchu. Established in 1956, it was developed early on as a reservoir formed by the convergence of the Yake River. Although the lake area is not large, it is surrounded by numerous temples and lush greenery, making it the oldest scenic area in Hsinchu. Near the Qingcaohu Scenic Area is the Lingyin Temple, which was converted from a Japanese shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang. The couplets inside the temple often praise his wisdom and strategic abilities, reflecting a Daoist influence. In front of the Lingyin Temple, under an oil palm tree, there is a campsite for camping and barbecuing. The scenic beauty of Qingcaohu, with its mountains and water, is a major attraction for tourists. However, due to sedimentation in the reservoir, damage from typhoons, and overdevelopment upstream, visitor numbers have declined. Recognizing Qingcaohu's unique rich natural lake scenery within Hsinchu City, efforts were made to restore its beauty. In 2016, the city government completed dredging work and actively improved surrounding environments and infrastructure, such as wooden platforms and lighting, to recreate the lake's scenic charm. In 2017, the operation of water activities at Qingcaohu was outsourced, and recreational activities began, including stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and various other services, allowing visitors to enjoy boating and experience the scenic lakeside, attracting many tourists to stop and appreciate the view.
