A method of making nanostructures includes following steps. A carbon nanotube structure is suspended, wherein the carbon nanotube structure includes a number of carbon nanotubes orderly aligned. A carbon nanotube composite structure is formed by applying a precoated layer on the carbon nanotube structure, wherein a thickness of the precoated layer on an outer surface of each of the number of carbon nanotubes ranges from about 2 nanometers to about 10 nanometers. The carbon nanotube composite structure is transferred on a substrate and treating the carbon nanotube composite structure with a solution. The carbon nanotube structure is removed by annealing the carbon nanotube composite structure in an annealing temperature from about 500° C. to about 700° C., wherein the precoated layer is softened and contracted.