Photocatalysis is a new technique that can convert solar energy into chemical energy. Semiconductor photocatalysts can be used to split water to generate hydrogen, reduce CO2 to organic species, or degrade organic pollutants into eco-friendly species. It has been regarded as one of the most promising strategy to solve energy and environmental problems in the future. However, limited by the poor visible light absorption and inefficient charge separation rate, the photocatalytic activity of the present photocatalysts is still far from the criteria for practical applications. To solve these problems, we have recently developed a series of new strategies based on the basic principle of crystallography to further extend the light absorption range of photocatalysts and stimulate the charge separation inside and at the surface of photocatalysts. And this work may provide some new threads on the design and synthesis of highly efficient photocatalysts.