A convenient sonochemical route was developed to fabricate one-dimensional (1D) CdS or CdSe assemblies via a simple template method with two-steps: Firstly, the colloid one dimensional cadmium hydroxide particles were prepared as templates under sonication; then, the colloid particles were converted into 1D CdS or CdSe assemblies via a replacement reaction after the surface nucleation and crystal growth processes. The as-prepared CdS and CdSe nanowires were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, and UV-visible Spectroscopy. The effects of the ultrasonic irradiation were discussed. It is believed that the ultrasound irradiation played a positive role in both the assembly of the colloid cadmium hydroxide particles into the 1D structure and the growth of CdSe and CdS nanowires. The effects of pH on the morphologies of the cadmium hydroxide template were also discussed. The band gaps of the as-prepared 1D CdSe and CdS assemblies were calculated to be 3.1 eV and 4.9 eV, respectively, indicating the quantum size effect. The as-prepared products might have potential applications in nanodevices in future.