One-dimensional nanosized phosphors demonstrate special structural and photoluminescence properties, which have application potential in some optical fields. In this article, we present our recent progress on preparation and luminescence properties of some one-dimensional rare earth compounds and complexes, the core-shell oxide nanowires prepared by a two-step hydrothermal route, the nanowires of some inorganic compounds doped with rare earths and rare earth complexes/PVP composites prepared by the electrospinning method, and the rare earth complexes in the SBA-15 mesoporous molecule sieves. In these systems, some novel or improved photoluminescence properties are observed such as improved luminescence quantum yield, thermal stability and/or photostability, and depressed thermal effect in upconversion luminescence.