Longgang Mosque Introduction
Don't think that Islamic culture is out of reach; you can explore the beauty of foreign cultures in the Longgang area of Taoyuan. Islam, one of the three major religions alongside Buddhism and Christianity, has one-fifth of the global population practicing it. Currently, there are at least nine mosques in Taiwan, among which the Longgang Mosque is one of the few historically significant mosques. The mosque's entrance gate, main hall, and separate prayer halls for men and women all showcase the features of Islamic culture, making it an important center of Islamic faith in northern Taiwan. The mosque is located next to the Zhongzheng Market, in the culturally diverse Longgang area, which is home to former residents from Yunnan and the Thailand-Myanmar border who retreated to Taiwan around the mid-1950s. Many of them are Muslim believers who hoped to have a dedicated place to practice their religious activities, as traveling to the distant Taipei Mosque for prayers was not feasible. With the help of the Islamic Association for fundraising, this Islamic faith center—the mosque—was established in the 53rd year of the Republic of China. After renovations in the 78th year of the Republic of China, the mosque has maintained its appearance to this day, becoming the center of Islamic faith in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli areas. Upon arriving at the entrance, with the moon symbol that holds deep significance for Muslims on the gate, you will know you have reached the Longgang Mosque. Covering nearly 400 square meters, the prayer hall can accommodate more than 150 people. Although the exterior is not heavily decorated, it features green, a color symbolizing freedom, which reflects the peaceful nature of Muslims. Additionally, there are rooms for the Imam, office spaces, reception areas, and prayer rooms. Every Friday is the largest gathering time for prayers, with men and women separated in different prayer halls bowing to Allah, making it an ideal gathering place for believers away from home. Due to its unique historical and cultural background, the Longgang area has developed a distinctive foreign culture and cuisine. Around the mosque, you can often encounter women in headscarves and men in caps. When in Longgang, you cannot miss the authentic Yunnan-Myanmar-Thai cuisine. Strolling through the Zhongzheng Market, you will frequently come across rice noodle shops, along with Thai-style papaya salad, handmade flaky buns, and hidden gems like Yunnan-style pancakes. If time permits, check out the market stalls; the various Yunnan-Myanmar-style pickles and sauces are delightful surprises. There are also unique vegetable shops displaying rare homegrown vegetables like southern ginger, water cilantro, and banana flowers, which you can purchase to cook at home and create unique flavors in your dishes.
