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High-temperature phase-stable rice-like anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals were synthesized by onepot solvothermal method using soluble titania xerogel and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the precursor and the solvent, respectively. Sample characterization was carried out by powder X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and N 2 adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results showed that TiO 2 nanocrystals had rice-like shapes with an average size of 5 nm in width and 35 nm in length. The BET surface area was 153 m 2 /g. Unexpectedly, the rice-like TiO 2 nanocrystals exhibited high-temperature phase stability, which could remain as pure anatase phase after calcinations at 1000°C. Growth mechanism investigation revealed that the IPA solvent played a key role in nucleation and growth of rice-like anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals. The photodegradation of rhodamine B demonstrated that rice-like anatase TiO 2 nanocrystals exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.