The approach of using cellulosic substances (kapok fibers) as templates is employed to prepare hollow SnO2 nanotubular materials as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. The obtained nanotubular materials retain the morphological hierarchy of the kapok fibers, and each nanotube is composed of nano-sized SnO2 ranged from 5 to 12 nm SnO2 nanotubular anode exhibits a stable reversible capacity of 600 mAh g−1 at constant current density of 100 mA g−1, and capacity retention keeps over 91.6% after 60 cycles. The nanostructured characteristics of SnO2 particle embedded in the nanotube ensure the high capacity in the electrode. The nanotube came from cellulose fiber templates provides the electrode with firm framework, and thus avoids the electrode to pulverize in the charge–discharge process. Furthermore, the hollow loose structure offers a sufficient void space, which sufficiently alleviates the mechanical stress caused by volume change. All these factors contribute greatly to the excellent cycling stability of SnO2 electrode.