In this study, direct Z–scheme heterostructure CoWO4/g-C3N4 was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological properties of the prepared samples were characterised by XRD, SEM, UV–Vis and PL measurements. The as-obtained heterostructure CoWO4/g-C3N4 exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities toward the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation with 92% Rhodamine B removal after 80 minutes irritation, which exceeded pristine g-C3N4 and CoWO4. The enhanced photocatalytic performance ascribed to interfacial contact between g-C3N4 and CoWO4, thus further inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated electron/hole pairs. It is anticipated that the construction of Z–scheme heterostructure CoWO4/g-C3N4 is an effective strategy to develop high-performance photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants in water.