Longtan peanut candy is a handmade soft confection unique to the Hakka villages of Longtan District, Taoyuan, made by coating whole roasted peanuts in malt syrup and hammering them into shape — a texture somewhere between nougat and hard peanut brittle. In the 1960s, residents near a local military shooting range began cycling around selling peanut candy to soldiers; by the 1970s the texture had shifted from hard to soft and simple packaging was introduced. Its best-known brand, Long Ching, was formally founded in 1991 by Wen Guang-shi, a second-generation member of the Wen family, and the candy remains one of the most representative souvenirs of Taoyuan's Hakka townships.
According to a Liberty Times Life Weekly report, Longtan rose to prominence during the Qing dynasty thanks to river trade on the Dahan River, and early settlers grew peanuts along the riverbank for oil production, building up local knowledge of peanuts as a food ingredient. After the Chinese Civil War, large numbers of troops were stationed around Longtan; in the 1960s, the Wen family, recognizing soldiers' demand for snacks, cycled around selling peanut candy at the local Lingyungang shooting range. By the 1970s, the candy's texture had shifted from hard to soft and simple packaging was introduced, and it began selling at school and government-office canteens. Wen Guang-shi, a second-generation member of the Wen family, formally founded the 'Long Ching' brand in 1991; after the family's second generation split in the 1980s, each branch created its own brand, and today a cluster of peanut candy shops lines Dachang Road.
What is Longtan Peanut Candy
Longtan Peanut Candy is a handmade Hakka soft candy: whole roasted peanuts coated in malt syrup, then hammered and shaped. Unlike the hard, crisp peanut candies found around Beigang and Yunlin, the Longtan style leans toward a softer confection — somewhere between nougat and peanut brittle. Each bite is richly peanut-flavored without being sticky; the malt sweetness is present but not cloying. Common flavors include original, nori, sesame, and coffee. Block-cut gift boxes are one of the most representative souvenirs from the Taoyuan Hakka townships.
Why Longtan? Hakka candy-making culture is at the core. Longtan is one of the main Hakka population centers in Taoyuan. From the 1960s and 1970s onward, the area became known for making peanut candy and Hakka rice snacks. The Hakka tradition of "seasonal foods, rice as the staple" made sweet confections an important ceremonial food. The Taoyuan City tourism website lists Long Qing Peanut Candy and other long-established brands; the cluster of shops along Dachang Road has formed a peanut candy street. The category is the draw; preferences for softness and flavor vary by brand.
How to Eat It the Local Way
Local Knowledge
Verified Credentials (ads filtered)
- The Taoyuan City Government tourism website lists Long Qing Peanut Candy and other Longtan peanut candy brands.
- Since the 1960s and 1970s, Longtan's Hakka village has been known for peanut candy-making, forming part of the Hakka rice-and-sweet-snack food culture.
- Long Qing, Man Ting Xiang, and other long-established shops stand side by side along Dachang Road — the category cluster is the main point of observation.
Practical Tips
- Peanut candy contains oils; once opened, consume it soon. At room temperature in summer it tends to sweat and lose flavor.
- The craftsmen's hammering and cutting process usually takes place during morning production hours — arrive early if you want to watch.
- Texture varies by brand. Sample before you decide how many boxes to buy — saves regret later.
Information compiled from Michelin Guide, Taoyuan City Government Tourism Bureau, and large-scale public reviews; sponsored content has been filtered out. Photos will be replaced with channel-exclusive material after Dio's on-site shoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Longtan peanut candy?
It is a handmade Hakka soft confection made by coating roasted peanuts in malt syrup and hammering them into shape, with a texture between nougat and hard peanut brittle.
How did Longtan peanut candy get started?
In the 1960s, Longtan residents began cycling around selling peanut candy to soldiers at a nearby military shooting range, gradually growing into a local industry.
Who founded the Long Ching brand?
Wen Guang-shi, a second-generation member of the Wen family, formally founded Long Ching in 1991; the name reflects 'true feeling for Longtan.'
Does Longtan peanut candy have a Michelin recognition?
No — as of 2026, the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan's evaluated cities do not yet include Taoyuan, so no Longtan peanut candy shop is on the Bib Gourmand list.
Sources
- 【台灣名物故事】桃園龍潭花生糖 — 自由時報生活週報，1960年代軍營靶場起源與軟硬轉變
- 緣起龍情 — 龍情官網，溫光士1991年創立品牌