Morphologies of one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures (nanowires, nanobelts, etc.) and their characteristics are introduced. Methods of growing one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures and the relevant devices are demonstrated comprehensively, e.g. hydrothermal and chemical vapor deposition and so on. Progress in applications including light-emitting diodes and nanogenerators is provided. Finally, the future developing trend of one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures is presented and some novel means, techniques, etc. are also proposed.