Water-sol core/shell CdSe/CdS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in aqueous solution by using mercapto-acetate acid as stabilizer. The UV-Vis absorption and emission spectra were studied. The size of the SdSe-core was about 2 nm estimated by absorption edge and X-ray powder diffraction(XRD). The structure was also characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The intensity of luminescence of the quantum dots was greatly enhanced after the surface was modified with CdS shell. Red shift of the peak was shown in both the emission and absorption spectra.