During the Yuan dynasty, the street was known as the "Dong Jiangmi Xiang" (), or "East River-Rice Lane". It was the location of the tax office and customs authorities, because of its proximity to the Grand Canal, east, by which rice and grains arrived in Beijing from the south. During the Ming dynasty, a number of ministries relocated into the area, including the Ministry of Rites, which was in charge of diplomatic matters. Several hostels were built for tributary missions from Vietnam, Mongolia, Korea and Burma.