This paper reports the synthesis of tetragonal zirconia nanowires using template method. An as-prepared sample was characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the as-prepared materials were tetragonal zirconia nanowires with average diameters of ca. 80 nm and length of over 10 mum. The Raman spectrum showed peaks at 120, 461, and 629 cm(-1), which are attributed to the E-g, E-g, and B-1g phonon modes of the tetragonal zirconia structure, respectively. The UV-vis absorption spectrum showed an absorption peak at 232.5 nm (5.33 eV in photon energy). Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of zirconia nanowires showed a strong emission peak at ca. 388 nm at room temperature, which is attributed to the ionized oxygen vacancy in the zirconia nanowires system.