Mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes are prepared by templating against carbon fibers through a facile solution approach followed by calcination at 800°C for 2h. The nanotubes are characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and nitrogen adsorption. The electrochemical performances as the anodes of lithium-ions batteries are studied by the cyclic voltammogram (CV) and galvanostatic discharge–charge voltage tests. Because of its unique structure (the mesoporous wall, internal void and open ends), the as-obtained mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes demonstrate a reversible capacity of 585mAhg−1 up to 50 cycles at a high current density of 400mAg−1.