The limited photoabsorption and undesirable recombination of photocarriers seriously impede the performance of photocatalysts to convert inexhaustible solar energy into hydrogen energy. Herein, we design a novel one dimensional/two dimensional (1D/2D) core–shell cobalt monoxide/nickel cobalt layered double hydroxide (CoO/NiCo-LDH) heterojunction with the effective interface contact by the bridge linkage of Co atoms. The rapid electron transport of 1D CoO nanowires and the suited energy levels of CoO and NiCo-LDH synergistic facilitate the separation and transfer of photocarriers at the interface of CoO/NiCo-LDH. In addition, this rational design enhances visible-light absorption and possesses a large surface area. Benefiting from the compositional and structural virtues, the CoO/NiCo-LDH heterojunction achieves an outstanding photocatalytic H2 production efficiency up to 1.5 mmol g−1h−1 and even maintains 96% of initial efficiency after the 480 min reaction.