Longgang Mosque Introduction
Don't think that Islamic culture is far away; in the Longgang area of Taoyuan, you can explore the beauty of foreign cultures. Islam, alongside Buddhism and Christianity, is one of the three major religions in the world, accounting for one-fifth of the global population. Currently, there are at least nine mosques in Taiwan, and the Longgang Mosque is one of the few historic mosques in Taiwan. The entrance gate, main hall, and separate prayer halls for men and women all showcase the unique characteristics of Islamic culture and have become one of the important centers of Islamic faith in the northern region. The mosque is located next to the Zhongzheng Market in the multicultural Longgang area, which is home to veterans from Yunnan and the Thai-Myanmar border who retreated to Taiwan around the mid-1950s, among whom many are Muslim believers. They hoped to have a fixed place for religious gatherings and prayers, as the Taipei Mosque was too far away for frequent visits. Upon receiving assistance from the Islamic Association for fundraising, this Islamic center was established in 1964. After renovation in 1989, the mosque has maintained its appearance and become the center of Islamic faith in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli regions. Upon arriving at the entrance, you will see the crescent moon symbol that holds great significance for Muslims, indicating that you have reached the Longgang Mosque. Covering nearly 400 ping, the prayer hall can accommodate over 150 people. Although the exterior is not heavily decorated, it primarily uses green, a color symbolizing freedom, fully reflecting the peaceful nature of Muslims. Additionally, there are rooms for the imam, office space, reception areas, and prayer rooms. Every Friday is the largest gathering time for prayers, with men and women praying separately in different prayer halls, making it the best place for the faithful far from home to pray sincerely. Due to its unique historical culture, the Longgang area has formed a distinct ethnic culture and culinary scene. In the vicinity of the mosque, you can often meet women wearing headscarves and men in caps. A visit to Longgang also means you can’t miss authentic Yunnan-Myanmar-Thai cuisine. Strolling through Zhongzheng Market, you will frequently encounter rice noodle shops, along with Thai-style spicy papaya salad, handmade crispy pork buns, and hidden gems like Yunnan flaky pancakes. If you have extra time, take a moment to explore the market stalls; the various pickled vegetables and sauces will amaze you, along with specialty vegetable shops showcasing rare local vegetables such as galangal, water spinach, and banana flowers, which you can buy to create dishes with unique flavors at home.
