  By shielding zinc stannate (ZTO, viz., Zn2SnO4) nanoparticles with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as well as multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), we have successfully created ZTO/RGO/MWCNTs composites via a facile hydrothermal process. In the designed hybrid nanostructure, acting as the strut and bridge to open the graphene sheets, 3D RGO/MWCNT nets not only tackle the problem of volume expansion and the aggregation of ZTO nanoparticles, but also maintain the integration of anode materials for high electrochemical performance. As a result, the resultant anode material shows high reversible capacity, superior rate capacity and long-running cycle performance for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). For instance, a excellent reversible capacity of 915.9 mAh g−1 was obtained at the current density of 100 mA g−1 after 340 cycles. Our study demonstrates significant potential of ZTO/RGO/MWCNTs as anode materials for LIBs.