In this work, a core-shell composite composed of MoS2 nanosheets grown on hollow carbon microspheres is synthesized by a hydrothermal and a subsequent annealing route. The result shows that well-graphitized hollow-carbon@highlycrystallineMoS2(HC@MoS2) was obtained after the four-step reaction. And it is found that the synthesized MoS2 is consist of 2H and 1T phases. The lithium storage property of the composite is investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Benefited from the special morphology and structure, a stable capacity of 970mAhg−1 for over 100 cycles at a current density of 0.25Ag−1 is realized on the material. Even at a high current density of 4Ag−1, a reversible capacity as high as 560mAhg−1 is delivered. Moreover, the reasons for the excellent electrochemical performance of the material are explored and discussed in detail.