After the 1911 Revolution, Hezhou Prefecture was renamed Hexian County, under direct administration of the provincial military governor. In 1948, the Hehan Patriotic Democratic County Government was established, and the two counties of Hexian and Hanshan were separated in November the same year. In January 1949, the Hexian Democratic Government was founded, later renamed the People’s Government of Hexian County under the jurisdiction of Chaohu Prefecture. In December 1949, it came under Nanjing’s administration, before returning to Chaohu Prefecture in spring 1950. In 1952, Hexian belonged to Wuhu Prefecture. In 1958, Hexian and Hanshan merged into Hehan County under Maanshan City’s governance. In April 1959, it reverted to Wuhu Prefecture, and the two counties were split apart again in May. From 1965 onward, Hexian fell under Chaohu Special District, and was transferred to Maanshan City in 2011.

Today Hexian County is administered by Maanshan City, Anhui Province, governing 10 towns, 107 village committees and 32 urban community committees.