A three-dimensional patterned CNT framework was prepared in a thermal chemical vapor deposition system. ZnO nanoneedles with different areal density were subsequently grown on it via hydrothermal method. By combining the advantages of high aspect ratio, more effective emission sites with minimized screen effect and good Ohmic contact between ZnO nanoneedles and CNT framework, the ZnO/CNT hierarchical nanostructures with medium areal density exhibit a favorable FE performance which makes it promising candidate for cold cathode nanomaterials.