Snowflake-like multi-layered ZnO with porous structure is synthesized through a facile hydrothermal process and followed by calcinating process. The pore size of the multilayered ZnO is controlled by just regulating the calcination temperature. X-diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal that the precursor obtained by hydrothermal method is zinc hydroxide carbonate (ZnHC)(1), after being calcinated, pure wurtzite ZnO is got. TEM and SEM demonstrate the existence of the porosity and the variation of the pore size (ranges from tens of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers). The photocatalytic property is investigated by Xenon Lamp and sunlight. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.