One-dimensional (1D) CdS nanowires (NWs)–CeO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) composites have been synthesized and used for photocatalytic selective reduction of nitroaromatics and water splitting to hydrogen under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of CdS NWs–CeO₂ NPs composites is ascribed to the intimate interfacial contact and the matched energy band structures between CdS NWs and CeO₂ NPs, which thereby improves the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. The recycling activity test shows that the CdS NWs–CeO₂ NPs composite also exhibits good photostability under controlled reaction conditions. It is hoped that this work would provide a facile method to fabricate 1D semiconductor–metal oxide composites with enhanced photocatalytic activity toward selective organic transformations, water splitting and other target redox processes under ambient conditions.