Two coordination polymers [Zn(Cabo)(2)(EtOH)(2)(4,4'-Bipy)](n) (1), and [Zn-2(Cabo)(2)(NO3)(2)(4,4'-Bipy)(2)](n) (2) (Cabo = carbazolylacetate, 4,4'-Bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine) with chain and ladder structures, respectively, were prepared and characterized by X-ray single-crystal structural analysis. The results showed that the different anions of metal salts have a large effect on the construction of coordinationframeworks. Both complexes show strong emissions in the solid state as well as high thermal stability.