We　have　successfully　developed　a　facile　two-step　anodization　combined　layer-by-layer　(LBL)　self-assembly　route　for　rapid　fabrication　of　well-defined　metal-TiO　2　nanoring/nanotube　combined　nanostructures,　i.e.　M/T-NRNT　(M　=　Au,　Ag,　Pt).　These　hierarchically　self-assembled　hybrid　systems　are　demonstrated　to　exhibit　versatile　photocatalytic　and　catalytic　reduction　capabilities.　©　2012　The　Royal　Society　of　Chemistry.