A unique three-dimensional zinc(ii)-dpbt framework with formula {[Zn6Cl6(2,2 '-dbpt)(3)]center dot 4.5H(2)O}(n)(1) (here, 2,2 '-H(2)dpbt = 5,5 '-di(pyridin-2-yl)-3,3 '-bi(1,2,4-triazole)) has been successfully constructed under solvothermal conditions. This complex was fully characterizedviasingle-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, luminescence spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, EDS and ICP-MS. The luminescence properties confirm that the emission behavior of the Zn(ii) complex exhibits excellent thermal and chemical stabilities. The luminescence performance of1in a series of cations and anions was also explored. Importantly, the luminescence experiments reveal that1is sensitive, efficient and can be quickly regenerated (at last 4 cycles) as a fluorescent probe for detecting Cu2+, Ag+, MnO(4)(-)and Cr(vi) (Cr(2)O(7)(2-)and CrO42-) ions.