$TiO_2$ nanopowders with anatase structure were firstly prepared by controlling the pH value of a precursor solution without any heat-treatment at room temperature. The prepared $TiO_2$ nanopowders were hydrothermally treated in 10M NaOH solution at $170^{circ}C$. Then, the samples were washed in DI water or 0.1M HCl. The $TiO_2$ nanotubes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The gas sensitivity of $TiO_2$ nanotubes for toluene gas was also investigated. The results show that $TiO_2$ nanotubes can be prepared by hydrothermal treatment. The morphology of $TiO_2$ nanotubes prepared by 0.1M HCl washing is destroyed to some extent. $TiO_2$ nanotubes with DI water washing show better sensitivity than that with 0.1M HCl washing.