Lanthanum-modified TiO₂ nanotube (NT) supported gold catalysts were prepared. The linear relationship between actual and nominal lanthanum concentrations was found. The possible formation mechanism of La-modified TiO₂ NTs was suggested. The effects of calcination temperature, La concentration and gold loading on the catalytic activity for CO oxidation were investigated. Au/La₂O₃–TiO₂-NTs (Au: 4.18%, La: 1.62%) calcined at 300 °C could completely convert CO at 30 °C. T_100% of La-free catalyst was 60 °C. The catalytic activity of Au/TiO₂-NTs could be improved by modification with lanthanum.