The effect of agitation states on the synthesis of Bi2S3 was discussed via stirred-assisted, oscillated-assisted and static hydrothermal preparation methods. Results showed that agitation influences the crystallinity and size of Bi2S3 nanorods. It is of interest that Bi2S3 nanorods with a high degree of crystallinity are obtained via stirred-assisted hydrothermal method at the temperature as low as 95 degreesC.