Unique lotus-rootlike Au-Zn O hybrid structures were obtained by controlling the deposition of pre-synthesized Au nano- crystals onto the surfaces of as-obtained Zn O structures. Zn O with lotus-rootlike structures was first prepared through a hydrothermal process. We also investigated the effects of various Au contents on the photocatalytic activities in detail. Notably, compared to the pure Zn O component, these resulting lotus-root-like Au-Zn O nanostructures with the appropriate amounts of Au content exhibited better photocatalytic efficiency. Root-like Au-Zn O hybrid structures were obtained by controlling the deposition of pre-synthesized Au nano-crystals onto the surfaces of as-made ZnO structures. Zn O with lotus-rootlike structures was first prepared through a hydrothermal process. We also investigated the effects of various Au contents on the photocatalytic activities in detail. Notably, compared to the pure Zn O component, these generated lotus-root-like Au-Zn O nanostructures with the appropriate amounts of Au content reported better photocatalytic efficiency.