Green Grass Lake Introduction
Qingcao Lake is located to the east of Hsinchu City, making it one of the eight scenic spots in Hsinchu. Established in 1956, it is an early development formed by the convergence of the Yake River, and while the lake itself is not large, it is surrounded by numerous temples and lush greenery, making it the oldest scenic area in Hsinchu. Near the Qingcao Lake Scenic Area, there is the Lingyin Temple, which was transformed from a Japanese shrine and is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, featuring couplets that praise his extraordinary wisdom, reflecting Daoist influences. Under the oil palm tree in front of Lingyin Temple, there is a campsite available for camping and barbecuing. The breathtaking mountain and lake scenery of Qingcao Lake is a major draw for tourists. However, due to issues such as silt accumulation in the reservoir, typhoon damage, and rampant construction upstream, visitor numbers have decreased. Recognizing that Qingcao Lake possesses a unique and rich natural lake landscape in all of Hsinchu City, efforts are being 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, striving to recreate the scenic charm of Qingcao Lake. In 2017, external management for water activities at Qingcao Lake was completed, allowing recreational activities in the lake to commence. Operators introduced stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and other water activities, providing diverse recreational services for the public to enjoy the pleasures of boating and the scenic views, thereby attracting many visitors.
