Temple fairs at these two temples developed rapidly with the convenient traffic. Soon they became the major fairs at that time. A poem described the scenery as such: "Goods of every descriptions are available at the East and West temples. Many aristocrats ramble about. Fragrance from royal incense burners still lingers in their clothes."

Detailed narratives of temple fairs in old Beijing could be found in the literature: "As to the temple fairs, the Dongyue and Bei Yaowang temples hold their fairs on the 1st and 15th of every month; the God of Earth Temple on the 3rd, 13th, and 23rd of every month; the Flower Fair outside Chongwenmen on every 4th, 14th, and 24th; Huguo on every 7th, 8th, 17th, 18th, 27th, and 28th; and the Longfu Temple on every 9th, 10th, 19th, 20th, 29th, and 30th. Necessities of daily life, jewelries, precious stones, fabric and silk, coronets, and antiques were all available at these temple fairs." These temple fairs covered all areas of the old Beijing city, bringing convenience for its citizens.

But this did not include the temple fair at the White Pagoda Temple, suggesting that it appeared at a later stage. The White Pagoda temple fairs were held on every 4th, 5th, 14th, 15th, 24th, and 25th.

Temple fair at the White Pagoda Temple

Later, Changdian temple fairs appeared near Liulichang . Liulichang was a favorite haunt for scholars, painters, and calligraphers that would gather there to write, compile and purchase books, as well as to paint and compose poetry. By Emperor Kangxi's reign (1661-1722), Liulichang had become a flourishing cultural center and was described as having "homes and buildings lined up like fish scales."

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