Longgang Mosque Introduction
Don't think that Islamic culture is far away; 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 as adherents. In Taiwan, there are at least nine mosques, and the Longgang Mosque is one of the few historical mosques in Taiwan. The entrance gate, main hall, and separate prayer halls for men and women all showcase features of Islamic culture, making it an important center for the Islamic faith in northern Taiwan. The mosque is situated next to the Zhongzheng Market in the multicultural Longgang area, which has residents from the military dependents' village who migrated from the Yunnan and the Thai-Myanmar border around the mid-1950s. Many of them are Muslim believers who hoped to have a dedicated place for religious gatherings, as the distance to Taipei Mosque made regular visits challenging. With assistance from the Islamic Association in fundraising, this mosque was established in 1964, and after renovations in 1989, it has maintained its appearance to this day, becoming a center for Islamic faith in the Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli regions. Upon arriving at the entrance, you will see the crescent moon symbol, which holds deep significance for Muslims, indicating you have reached Longgang Mosque. Covering an area of nearly 1,320 square meters, the prayer hall accommodates over 150 people. Although the exterior is not heavily decorated, the predominant use of green, symbolizing freedom, reflects the peaceful nature of Muslims. In addition to the prayer hall, there are rooms for the imam, offices, a reception area, and a reading room. Every Friday, the largest prayer gathering takes place, with men and women praying separately in different prayer halls, providing a befitting place for distant believers to pray earnestly. Due to its unique historical and cultural background, the Longgang area has formed a distinctive blend of exotic culture and cuisine. Near the mosque, you can frequently encounter women in headscarves and men in caps. When you visit Longgang, you cannot miss authentic Yunnan-Myanmar-Thai cuisines. Strolling through the Zhongzheng Market, rice noodle shops are commonly found, along with Thai-style papaya salad, handmade flaky pastries, and hidden gems like Yunnan pancakes. If you have time, explore the market stalls, where various pickled vegetables and sauces will delight you, as well as unique vegetable shops displaying rare local vegetables like galangal, water parsley, and banana blossoms, which you can buy to cook at home and create distinctive culinary experiences.
