Y2O3:Er3+ hollow nanofibers were prepared by calcination of the monoaxial electrospinning-derived PVP/[Y(NO3)(3)+Er(NO3)(3)] composite nanofibers, and then Y2O2S:Er3+ hollow nanofibers were synthesized by sulfurization of the as-obtained Y2O3:Er3+ hollow nanofibers via a double-crucible method using sulfur powders as sulfur source. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the Y2O2S:Er3+ hollow nanofibers are pure hexagonal phase with the space group of P (3) over bar m1. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation indicates that the Y2O2S:Er3+ hollow nanofibers are obvious hollow-centered with the outer diameter of 176 +/- 25nm. Upconversion emission spectrum analysis manifests that Y2O2S:Er3+ hollow nanofibers emit strong green and weak red upconversion emissions centering at 526, 546, and 667nm, respectively. The green emissions and the red emission are, respectively, originated from H-2(11/2)/S-4(3/2) -> I-4(15/2) and F-4(9/2) -> I-4(l5/2) energy levels transitions of the Er3+ ions. The emitting colors of Y2O2S:Er3+ hollow nanofibers are located in the green region in CIE chromaticity coordinates diagram. The formation mechanism of the Y2O2S:Er3+ hollow nanofibers is also advanced. This preparation technique can be applied to prepare other rare-earth oxysulfides hollow nanofibers.