This work focused on the preparation and characterization of cysteine‐formaldehyde cross‐linked complex derived from cysteine hydrochloride and formaldehyde. The cross‐linked complex was prepared based on the nucleophilic substitution reaction of cysteine with formaldehyde accompanied by π bond breakage of carbonyl from formaldehyde. Meanwhile, its surface morphology, element composition, group distribution, and thermodynamics were experimentally investigated by means of SEM, XRD, EA, EDS, 1H‐NMR, FTIR, BET, and TGA as well as an analysis of the characteristics of CO2 adsorption. The results indicated that the as‐prepared cross‐linked complex exhibited a rod‐shaped hollow crystal structure with a lateral distribution of sulphur and nitrogen atoms toward the crystal surface. As a mesoporous crystal material, the cross‐linked complex presented a four‐step (amide forming, fast pyrolysis, slow pyrolysis, and dehydrogenation) pyrolysis above 430 K, yet possessed a relatively acceptable thermodynamic stability below 430 K. In addition, the interaction mechanism between the cysteine hydrochloride and formaldehyde was revealed by characteristics and simulation.