In order to improve cyclic stability and rate capability of Mn2O3 as lithium-storage anode for lithium ion batteries, we propose a novel configuration: porous Mn2O3 nanocubes encapsulated in carbon shell (Mn2O3@C). The porous structure provides space to buffer the volume change, while the surface carbon coating shell suppresses the electrolyte decomposition on Mn2O3 and enhances the electronic conductivity of the anode. This unique configuration and its improved electrochemical performances are demonstrated by detailed physical characterizations and electrochemical measurements. It is found that the resulting Mn2O3@C retains a high reversible and stable lithium-storage capacity of 996 mAh g(-1) at 0.2C (1C = 1018 mA g(-1)) after 200 cycles, while only 269 mAli g -1 for the porous Mn2O3 nanocubes without surface carbon shell, and the Mn2O3@C possesses an excellent rate capability (299 mA h g(-1) at 10C). This configuration provides not only Mn2O3 but also other metal oxides with great potential application in high energy density batteries.