Single crystal colloidal structures of basic lead carbonate (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2) were controllable synthesized by a simple precipitating method through changing the molar ratios of Pb(NO3)2 to Na2CO3 at room temperature. However, micro-scale polygonal plate structures for Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2 can be obtained due to the effect of the Ostwald ripening if the synthesis systems were underwent hydrothermal treatments at 200°C. The products were characterized by a series of techniques, such as XRD, SEM, TEM and FTIR. The formation mechanisms of the nanostructures were proposed based on the experimental results.