We propose a general reaction induced hetero-epitaxial crystallization strategy for the preparation of high performance aromatic polymers/CNT nanohybrid shish-kebab structures, typical aromatic polymers such as polyazomethine and polyimide have been successfully decorated on the surface of CNTs through this novel approach. It is interesting to note that the introduction of dynamic imine chemistry can enhance the kinetic control of this process and helps perfectionization of NHSK structures. Beside CNTs, this approach can be further extended to the epitaxial crystallization of aromatic polymer on the surface of microscale aramid fibers, thus opened a new gateway for the surface modification of CNTs and fibers using high performance aromatic polymer, which are of great value for the fabrication of complex hybrid nanoarchitectures or nanocomposites. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.