The unique structure of nickel-decorated and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (Ni-NCNTs) was prepared by hydrothermal method. Nickel acetate tetrahydrate, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), and isopropanol were used as raw materials in this moderate method. The Ni-NCNTs were synthesized successfully by calcination under the protection of nitrogen. Under different pyrolysis temperatures, carbon nanotubes begin to form at 700 degrees C, and Ni NCNTs also show the best hydrogen evolution reaction performance. At a current density of 10 mA/cm(2), the overpotential has reached 378 mV and the Tafel slope of the sample is 139 mV/dec. This work successfully presented that it is feasible to introduce Ni nanoparticles and nitrogen into CNTs to enhance the electrocatalytic performance, while the doping of transition metals, Ni, and nitrogen improves the conductivity of CNTs and increases the contact of active sites.