The composite photocatalyst, N-$TiO_2$ loaded with $Ni_2O_3$, was prepared by $N_2$ plasma treatment. X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, $N_2$ adsorption, UV-vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the prepared $TiO_2$ samples. The results indicated that the band gap energy was decreased obviously by nitrogen doping, whereas loading of $Ni_2O_3$ did not influence the band gap and visible light absorption. The photocatalytic activities were tested in the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) under visible light. The photocatalytic activity and stability of composite photocatalyst were much higher than that of catalyst modified with nitrogen or $Ni_2O_3$ alone. The synergistic effect of doping nitrogen and $Ni_2O_3$ over $TiO_2$ was investigated.