Qingcao Lake & Lingyin Monastery
青草湖与灵隐寺
An old reservoir lake on the south edge of Hsinchu City with Lingyin Monastery and a lakeside path. Once one of the Eight Views of Hsinchu, it is now a quiet urban backyard.
Qingcao Lake was originally an irrigation reservoir completed in 1956 and was once among Hsinchu's best-known sightseeing spots. Silt buildup later reduced its size, but in recent years it has been restored, and the lakeside walking and cycling paths have reopened. Lingyin Monastery by the lake was built during the Japanese occupation period. It is a well-known Buddhist temple in Hsinchu, set into the hillside in a quiet setting. The lake area is free and suits an evening walk or bike ride. It can be combined with Eighteen Peaks Mountain and Guqi Peak on the same day. It is about 15 minutes by taxi from downtown.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Eighteen Peaks Mountain
- Hsinchu Railway Station
- Hsinchu Zoo
- Hsinchu City Glass Museum
- Yingxi Gate (East Gate of Hsinchu)
- Hsinchu City God Temple
- Hsinchu Image Museum
- Hsinchu Prefecture Hall