In this study, alpha-Fe2O3 nanorings@reduced graphene oxide (alpha-Fe2O3@rGO) composites have been prepared through a facile hydrothermal self-assembly process. This strategy achieved the effective reduction of graphene oxide (GO) to graphene as well as the homogenous distribution of alpha-Fe2O3 nanorings on the surface of crumpled graphene nanosheets. The alpha-Fe2O3@rGO composites exhibit a much higher specific capacity of 781 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at the current density of 100 mA g(-1) and good rate capability than the pure alpha-Fe2O3 nanorings (225 mAh g(-1)), outperforming the most of reported alpha-Fe2O3/graphene electrode materials previously. The excellent electrochemical performance of alpha-Fe2O3@rGO benefits from the synergistic effect between alpha-Fe2O3 nanorings and graphene nanosheets. Moreover, the present work will be contributed to the future development of diverse graphene-based metal oxide materials for lithium-ion batteries applications.