Mn-CeO2 submicrorods have been obtained from anomalous CeO2 particles though a novel composite-hydroxide-salt-mediated (CHSM) approach. This method is based on a reaction between a metallic salt and a metallic oxide in a solution of composite-hydroxide-salt eutectic at ~225 ºC and normal atmosphere without using an organic dispersant or capping agent. The magnetic measurement of the Mn-CeO2 submicrorods exhibits an enhanced ferromagnetic property at room temperature with a remanence magnetization (Mr) of 1.4 × 10-3 emu.g-1 and coercivity (Hc) of 75 Oe. The UV-visible spectra reveal that the absorption peak of the CeO2 shifts from ultraviolet region to visible light region after being doped with Mn ions. The room temperature ferromagnetic properties and light absorption of the Mn-CeO2 submicrorods would have wide applications in spintroics and photocatalysis field.