In this paper, Bi₂S₃ nanorods were successfully synthesized via a facile one-pot hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then the Bi₂S₃ nanorods were deposited on Au interdigital electrodes by dip-coating to fabricate photodetectors. The photoresponse properties using Bi₂S₃ nanorods as a representative system showed a significantly enhanced conductivity and the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic exhibited about ca. 2 orders of magnitude larger than the dark current. The response and decay time was estimated to be ~371.66 and 386 ms, respectively, indicating Bi₂S₃ may be an excellent candidate for high speed and high-sensitivity photoelectrical switches and light sensitive devices.