Using cotton fibers as templates, quasi-one-dimensional bismuth tungsten oxide (Bi(2)WO(6)) nanostructures were successfully synthesized using a combination of solution dipping and calcinating at 500 degrees C. The Bi(2)WO(6) nanostructures were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N(2) adsorption and desorption measurements. Their optical property was studied using a UV-vis spectrum, and the photocatalytic activity was investigated by degrading the organic compound. It was found that the Bi(2)WO(6) nanostructures maintained the quasi-one-dimensional morphology of the cotton fibers and were composed of nanoparticles about 40 nm in size. The mechanism of formation of the quasi-one-dimensional Bi(2)WO(6) nanostructures was also discussed. Moreover, the quasi-one-dimensional Bi(2)WO(6) nanostructures exhibited good visible light absorption and could efficiently decompose rhodamine B under visible light irradiation.