In the present study, hierarchical alpha-Fe2O3/SnO2 hollow heterostructures were successfully synthesized by a template growth method. The crystal structure, morphology, composition and surface area of obtained heterostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and BET surface area analysis. The results reveal that [001]-directed SnO2 nanorods grow on the side surface of the [001]-directed alpha-Fe2O3 hollow nanotubes/nanorings, forming (110)(alpha-Fe2O3)//(101)SnO2 and (100)(alpha-Fe2O3)//(001)SnO2 interfaces. These heterostructures can be further converted into magnetic gamma-Fe2O3/SnO2 heterostructure without any significant change in morphology. These alpha-Fe2O3/SnO2 hollow heterostructures exhibit much higher photocatalytic activities for degradation of methylene blue in comparison with that of pure alpha-Fe2O3 nanotubes/nanorings in the wide spectral region from UV to visible due to both larger surface area and improved electron hole separation efficiency in the interface of heterostructure. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.