Gd2O3/BiVO4 composite photocatalysts were hydrothermal synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-vis diffusion reflectance spectra; all the composite photocatalysts exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities than the pure BiVO4 for degradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation. The improved activity of composites was discussed and ascribed to the electron-scavenging effect of dopants.