A 3D metal–organic framework (MOF), {[Cd 2 (CTA)(bpp) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] (H 2 O) 3 } n (1) (H 4 CTA=cyclohexane-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylic acid, bpp=1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and powder X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray measurement reveals that the complex presents three-dimensional frameworks with 1D channels which are filled by unique (H 2 O) 6 clusters. Noteworthily, the H 4 CTA ligands keep exclusive conformation, where the carboxyl groups adopt different coordination modes, and the bpp ligands perform two different conformations. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that 1 features favorable thermal stability. Photoluminescence property of 1 is investigated in the solid state at room temperature as well.