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Don't consider Islamic culture inaccessible-you can experience its charm in Longgang, Taoyuan. Ranked among the world's top three religions alongside Buddhism and Christianity, Islam has one-fifth of the global population as followers. Presently, there are at least nine mosques across Taiwan, including Longgang Mosque, which is one of the few older mosques in Taiwan. Features like the entrance gatehouse, main hall corridor, and separate prayer halls for men and women illustrate the characteristics of Islamic culture, establishing it as one important Muslim religious center in northern Taiwan. Hidden beside Zhongzhen Market in culturally eclectic Longgang, the local residents originally came from the Yunnan-Taywan-Myanmar border region in the mid-1950s. Many Muslim believers who arrived wanted a fixed space for communal worship and found the distance to Taipei Mosque unworkable for their needs. With fundraising assistance from the Muslim association, construction officially commenced in the53rd year of the Republic of China. After renovations in the 78th year of the Republic of China, the mosque has preserved its appearance to the present time, becoming a major center of Islamic faith for southern Taoyuan, Hsinchu, and Miaoli. Upon approaching the entrance, you will see symbolic Muslim moon markings on the gatehouse. The Longgang Mosque, occupying nearly 400 pings and indoor capacity for 150+ people, lacks excessive decoration but features the freedom-representing green color, reflecting Muslims' peace-loving nature. Other spaces include the imam's office, administrative area, visitors' reception room, and Quran recitation chamber. Major Friday gatherings occur at the separated prayer halls where men and women prostrate prayers toward Allah, becoming ideal congregation places for those living far from mosques. Because of the unique historical background, the Longgang area formed a distinct international culture and culinary scene. The mosque vicinity frequently brings encounters with women in headscarves and men in small caps. Visiting Longgang means not missing the authentic Yunnan-Burma-Thai cuisines such as Migan restaurants, papaya salad, hand-made scallion-stuffed buns, and Yunnan-style crepes. When time allows, explore market stalls offering preserved specialty pickles, sauces, and rare local vegetables like galangal, water coriander, and banana blossoms displayed in specialty stores. For an enriched experience, purchase these rare ingredients to create distinct regional cuisines in your own kitchen.