Solvothermal synthesis route is an effective approach in achieving phase and shape control, crystal growth, and in improving the crystallinity of diverse inorganic materials. In this article, we mainly described on the recent progress in solvothermal preparation and characterization of inorganic materials including nitrides, carbides, phosphides, chalcogenides and carbon related materials with selective controlling phases, shapes and sizes, which were introduced in the text according to the different organic solvents that were used in the experiment, in sequence of polar solvent, non-polar solvent and mixed-solvents, respectively. In addition, the formation mechanisms including the involved inorganic chemical reactions, properties and possible applications of the as-obtained inorganic materials were also briefly discussed.