Novel kelp-like crystalline beta-SiC nanobelts have been synthesized through direct pyrolysis of methyltrichlorosilane at 600 degrees C in an autoclave. The products are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. On the basis of morphology and structural characterization, an apical growth mechanism is proposed to clarify the formation of as-prepared nanobelts. Also, at 420 nm, a broad peak is observed in the visible photoluminescence emission.