A rapid and convenient polyol method has been developed to synthesize uniform urchin-like patterns of Bi2S3 nanorods in ethylene glycol at 197 degreesC for 30 min. X-ray diffraction pattern indicates that the obtained sample is orthorhombic phase Bi2S3. Scanning electron microscopy images and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that it is produced as uniform urchin-like pattern with spherical symmetry. The individual Bi2S3 nanorods is about 50 nm in diameter. The solvent and the S source material, thiourea, are of great importance on the final urchin-like structures. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.