The YVO4 nanospindles with well-crystallization were synthesized through a facile and rapid chemical conversion route. The synthesis started with the precipitation of sheet-like yttrium precursor Y-2(OH)(5)NO3 center dot nH(2)O at room temperature. With the addition of vanadate, YVO4 nanospindles were formed at the expense of the precursor in less than 10 min at 120 degrees C. The obtained particle shape and size are insensitive to experimental parameters, such as pH value and reaction temperature. The synthesis route is environment-friendly which involves no template or surfactant, but only relates to facile aqueous conditions at low temperature. We also investigated the luminescence properties of YVO4:Eu3+ and gold functioned Au/YVO4:Eu3+ products. Under UV excitation, both samples show strong red luminescence due to the radiative transitions of Eu3+, while the excitation spectra vary significantly. The interactions between Au nanoparticles (NPs) and the YVO4:Eu3+ NPs were also investiged.