The main river in the Hsinchu area—Touqian Stream—has a total length of about 63 kilometers and is the most important watershed system between the Dahan River and the Zhonggang River. Its farthest source is the Xikaluo Stream, which originates in the northern section of the Xueshan Mountain range, traverses the Tuchang and Qingquan areas of Wufeng Township, and is renamed Shangping Stream after merging with the Maibali Stream near Taoshan. Shangping Stream collects several tributaries along its course, flowing through the Wufeng and Shangping settlements. After merging with the Youluo Stream near Xiagongguan, it is officially called Touqian Stream. The river meanders through Zhudong, Touzhongpu, and Jiushaber, finally merging with the Fengshan Stream before flowing out to sea at Nanliao in Hsinchu, emptying into the Taiwan Strait.

The Touqian Stream watershed spans diverse terrains from high mountains to hills and plains. The water flow is brief with a significant slope, exhibiting typical characteristics of a "mountain river." Due to drastic fluctuations in flow and frequent water shortages during dry periods, the Hsinchu area has traditionally relied on several water management facilities to regulate water resources. The Shangping Dam, Long'en Floodgate, and Zaoshu Floodgate are responsible for storing and distributing stream water, while the Baoshan Reservoir and the Baoshan Second Reservoir are the main sources of public water supply for Hsinchu City and County, meeting the water needs of the Hsinchu Science Park, High-Speed Rail Zone, and urban residents. These reservoirs not only stabilize water supply but also play crucial roles in flood control, irrigation, and ecological regulation, forming the core of the governance system within the Touqian Stream watershed.

However, with the rapid development of the semiconductor industry, water demand and environmental pressures in the Hsinchu area have risen concurrently. Water is a primary issue faced by cities globally; its acquisition, conservation, storage, and recycling are all closely related to human survival. As a major drinking water source for Hsinchu County and City, the water quality of Touqian Stream has gradually deteriorated in recent years due to industrial wastewater, domestic sewage, and agricultural non-point source pollution. During dry periods, the sudden decrease in flow exacerbates pollution concentrations and ecological risks. Only through continuous monitoring, field investigations, and civic action can we truly understand the life pulse of the river and re-establish a balanced relationship between technology, industry, and the natural environment.

This course aims to use "exploring the watershed" as the main focus, leading participants to visit the water resource sites in Hsinchu firsthand. From the source valley to the estuary, participants will learn about the water management facilities, cultural history, and natural ecology of the Touqian Stream watershed. The course includes five thematic field trips, including engineering tours of reservoirs and floodgates, stories from the Jiushaber settlement in Zhudong, ecological observations at the stream mouth wetlands, and exchanges with local communities. Through on-site observations and topic discussions, students will understand the causes of water scarcity and pollution, contemplate diverse solutions for environmental governance, and learn how to practice water conservation, carbon reduction, and civic engagement in their daily lives.

Ultimately, this course hopes to enable participants to not only "know a river" but also to "understand a watershed"—understanding its geographic features, hydrological logic, industrial dependencies, and cultural memories. As people reconnect with the Touqian Stream through observation, experience, and action, watershed education becomes a starting point for civic environmental literacy and lays a solid foundation for sustainable urban development.