Nanocomposite wet gels and aerogels, combining the novel properties of transition/lanthanide metal ions with unique properties of wet gels and aerogels, show new multifunction originated from the synergic effect or complementary performance of components. The preparation of multifunctional wet gels and aerogels using a simple and effective methods is of great significance because it can not only save the practical applications cost, but also expand the functions of the wet gels and aerogels. Here we present a facile route to fabricate a range of multifunctional wet gels, which can be easily converted into aerogel monoliths of macroscopic dimensions via freeze drying. The resulting samples possess excellent properties including high porosity, good mechanical properties, large surface area, impressive environmental stability, unique colorimetric transformations upon different temperatures, and tunable photoluminescence. These make the multifunctional nanocomposite products have potential applications in controlled drug delivery, indicator, catalysis, biomaterials, and optoelectronics.