Rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) with advantages of high safety and low-cost gradually show potential in large-scale energy storage/supply application. Yet the further development of aqueous ZIBs is hindered by finding suitable cathodes. Here we demonstrate that the chemical pre-intercalated transition metal ions (e.g. Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+, etc.) into the interlayer of V2O5, could effectively improve the electrochemical performance of aqueous ZIBs, in terms of high capacity, rate capability and long-term cycling stability, as well as excellent broad temperature adaptability. For instance, Cu2+-intercalated V2O5 cathode exhibits high capacity of 180 mA h g−1 after 10000 cycles at 10 A g−1 and 122 mA h g−1 after 3000 cycles at 20 A g−1. This universal strategy of pre-intercalated metal ions in the host materials is found to enable fast Zn2+ diffusion, enhanced electrical conductivity, and excellent structural reversibility, which can be applicable for other well-established aqueous ZIBs cathodes (i.e. MnO2), or other advanced battery systems.