Morphology control of bismuth sulfide (Bi₂S₃) nanostructures, from one-dimensional nanorods with various aspect ratios, to various kinds of two-dimensional nanofabrics (dense nanofabrics and spark nanofabrics) to three-dimensional urchin-like microspheres and crossed nanofabrics, has been achieved via an ionic liquids-assisted hydrothermal route, by adjusting the active state of the BiOCl, the characteristics and concentration of the ionic liquid used and the reaction temperature. Reasonable growth mechanisms for the Bi₂S₃ with different morphologies are proposed, based on active state of the intermediate BiOCl, characteristics of the ionic liquids used and the crystal growth habits of Bi₂S₃. More importantly, we introduce the concept of two different states of the intermediate BiOCl (active BiOCl and inert BiOCl) to explain the growth mechanisms of nanofabrics, nanorods and urchin-like microspheres, from different crystal growth processes. Moreover, electrochemical measurements demonstrate that Bi₂S₃ nanofabrics and urchin-like microspheres possess higher initial Li intercalation capacity than graphitic materials (372 mA h g⁻¹), and their cyclic performances are highly dependent on their morphologies.