Three types of zeolite (NaP1 zeolite, analcime and chabazite) were hydrothermally synthesized by reacting fly ash with NaOH solution. The maximum conversion rate from fly ash to single zeolite is about 40%-75%, and the total conversion rate 60%-80%. The synthesis experimental results indicate that factors including vortex, viscosity, temperature, reaction time, and NaOH concentration in the reaction system strongly affect the type and conversion rate of zeolites. The batch experiments of removing Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ from wastewaters show that the adsorption capacity of zeolites synthesized is higher than that of fly ash. Keywords: coal fly ash, hydrothermal synthesis, zeolite, heavy metal, wastewater, adsorption.