Taiwan Food Atlas

Baoshan Reservoir

Hsinchu's vital water source, with lakeside trails and spring tung blossoms at every turn
📍 Hsinchu · Baoshan Township · Baoshan Village📷 Landmark🔖 Lakeside Trail · Tung Blossoms · Cycling

Baoshan Reservoir is a water-supply reservoir in Baoshan Township, Hsinchu County, built between 1981 and 1985 to supply Hsinchu Science Park and nearby areas; a lakeside trail and cycling path let visitors enjoy the scenery through the seasons, especially the tung blossoms of spring (roughly April–May).

Baoshan Reservoir (also called First Baoshan Reservoir), built by the Taiwan Water Corporation, broke ground in December 1981 and began supplying water in 1985. It has a surface area of about 60 hectares, a dam height of 34.5 meters, and total storage of roughly 5.47 million cubic meters, supplying industrial water to Hsinchu Science Park and daily water for Hsinchu City, Zhubei, Baoshan, and Zhudong at about 60,000–70,000 tonnes per day.

What to see at Baoshan Reservoir

Baoshan Reservoir was built in 1953 and has a storage area of about 85 hectares, primarily supplying water to Hsinchu Science Park and surrounding areas. The dam and the surrounding hills create a tranquil lake scene; on sunny days the surface mirrors the sky. Lush vegetation lines the trail along the shore. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and open — ideal for a leisurely afternoon walk.

The lakeside trail is mostly flat and accessible to all ages. Cycling paths are well-maintained; bring your own bike or rent one nearby. Baoshan Township has rich agricultural scenery: tung blossoms dot the hillsides in spring (roughly April–May), citrus is harvested in autumn and winter, and the rural landscape offers a different kind of countryside experience.

Tips for making the most of your visit

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Cycling around the lakeRide the cycling path around the reservoir — about 1–2 hours depending on the route — with lake views the whole way. A sunny afternoon is ideal.
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Spring tung blossoms (April–May)Every April and May tung trees burst into bloom. White petals blanket the mountain paths, making this Baoshan's most seasonally distinctive natural display.
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Lakeside trail hikeThe trail surface is smooth — about 1–2 hours round trip — and suitable for families with children. Watch for water birds and lakeshore vegetation along the way.
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Agricultural fruit-picking experienceCitrus orchards surround Baoshan Township. In autumn and winter (roughly November–January), ask local farms whether fruit-picking activities are available.

Practical information

Getting there and timing

  • By car from downtown Hsinchu toward Baoshan Township — about 20 minutes. Parking is available around the reservoir.
  • The trails around the reservoir are open all day with no admission fee. Early morning or late afternoon is recommended to avoid the intense midday sun.

Nearby connections

  • Combine with sights near Hsinchu Science Park for a half-day trip; Baoshan is about 20 minutes from downtown Hsinchu.
  • Head south to Beipu Old Street or Emei Lake to link up a Hsinchu County Hakka township route.

Source: Text compiled from the Wikipedia article on Baoshan Reservoir and publicly available tourism information. Please refer to the latest official announcements for trail conditions. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Baoshan Reservoir built?

Baoshan Reservoir broke ground in December 1981 and began supplying water in 1985, built and operated by the Taiwan Water Corporation.

What areas does Baoshan Reservoir supply water to?

It mainly supplies industrial water to Hsinchu Science Park, plus daily and irrigation water to Hsinchu City, Zhubei, Baoshan, and Zhudong.

When is the best time to see tung blossoms at Baoshan?

Tung blossoms bloom in Baoshan Township roughly from April to May, carpeting the lakeside trail and surrounding hillsides in white petals.

Is the lakeside trail around Baoshan Reservoir easy to walk?

The lakeside trail is mostly flat and easy for families, with a cycling path also available for riding around the lake.

Sources

🗺️ View on the map ← All Hsinchu attractions