A simple and facile method for synthesizing Ag(2)S-CdS nanoheterostructures has been introduced. With a one-step hydrothermal reaction, Ag(2)S-CdS nanoheterostructures with high uniformity in morphology and structure can be obtained. The Ag(2)S-CdS nanoheterostructures exhibit matchstick-like morphology, composed of spherical Ag(2)S heads and CdS rods. The influences of the reaction temperature, reaction time and molar ratio between Ag and Cd sources were explored, the results suggesting that the growth can be ascribed to the in situ phase transfer of Ag and Cd sources from the aqueous phase to the organic phase and the subsequent catalyst-assisted growth.