Mesoporous Metal-organic frameworks (meso-MOFs) with size-, shape-, and space-distribution-controlled mesopores are obtained by a facile encapsulation and selective etching strategy of metal nanoparticles. Hierarchical or functionalized meso-MOFs are achieved by the above strategy. Interestingly, the functional meso-MOFs display higher catalytic activity originating from the mesopores existing in the MOFs, as well as good selectivity due to protection of the micro porous frameworks.