ZnS holey microspheres (HMSs) were prepared by reacting ZnSO4 with sulfide source from CS2 and ethylenediamine at 50 degrees C, then aging at room temperature. The synthesized HMSs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-visible absorption measurement. The results showed that the holes were formed by gas of H2S, and the small ZnS HMSs were formed by particles reaggregating with the aid of ethylenediamine. In addition, the size- and shape-controlled synthesis of ZnS HMSs was achieved by varying the process parameters, such as the aging time of the final solution, the molar ratio of CS2 and ethylenediamine, and so on. A gas obtruding mechanism was proposed.