Heze, formerly known as Caozhou, is the westernmost prefecture-level city in Shandong province, China, it borders Jining to the east and the provinces of Henan and Anhui to the west and south respectively. History Caozhou was at the center of the Nian Rebellion during the 1850s and 60s. In August 1949, Heze was detached from Shandong and given to the experimental province of Pingyuan. It returned to Shandong just over three years later. In April 1953, Heze and Jining gained counties from the former prefecture of Huxi after its abolishment. City Flower Mudan is the city flower of Heze. The earliest documentary of Mudan is in Classic of Poetry (诗经), which is almost 3,000 years away from now. Mudan is also called the King of flower from Bencao Gangmu(本草纲目). It is a symbol of honor, peace, wealth, love, aristocracy, and feminine beauty. There are 9 types of Mudan based on the colors: red, white, purple, yellow, blue, green, black, pink, and multi-colored. Climate Heze has a monsoon-influenced climate that lies between the humid subtropical and humid continental zones (Köppen Cwa/Dwa), with four well-defined seasons. The city is warm and nearly rainless in spring, hot and humid in summer, crisp in autumn and cold and dry in winter. The mean annual temperature is , with the monthly 24-hour average temperature ranging from in January to in July. Nearly 70% of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September. With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 48% in July to 60% in May, the city receives 2,411 hours of bright sunshine annually. Administration The prefecture-level city of Heze administers nine county-level divisions. The municipal executive, legislature and judiciary are in Mudan District (), together with CPC and Public Security bureaux. There are two districts and seven counties: Mudan District () Dingtao District () Cao County () Chengwu County () - originally in Huxi Shan County () - originally in Huxi Juye County () - originally in Huxi Yuncheng County () Juancheng County () Dongming County () These are further divided into 158 township-level divisions. Demographics According to the 2010 population census, Heze was home to 8,287,693 people, of whom 1,346,717 live in the built-up area around the seat of government in Mudan District. Culture Places of Interests Caozhou Mudan Garden: It is the largest Mudan Garden in Heze with the most varieties. One Hundred Lion Square: It is famous for its column