A rational integration of 1D metallic nanotubes and oxide nanoparticles has been demonstrated as a viable strategy for the production of both highly stable and efficient anodes for lithium ion batteries. We encapsulated copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in ultra-long metallic copper nanotubes with engineered interspaces, and explored their electrochemical properties. Such a hierarchical architecture provides three important features: (i) a continuous nanoscale metallic Cu shell to minimize electronic/ionic transmitting impedance; (ii) a unique quasi-one-dimensional structure with a large aspect ratio to reduce self-aggregation; (iii) free space for volume expansion of CuO nanoparticles and stable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. The anode materials with such hierarchical structures have high specific capacity (around 600 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1), excellent cycling stability (over 94% capacity retention after 200 cycles) and superb reversible capacity of 175 mA h g−1 at a high charging rate of 15 A g−1.