A one-dimensional Cd(II) complex [Cd(3,4′-bpt)2(H2O)2]·H2O (1) (3,4′-Hbpt = 1H-3-(3-pyridyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole) has been synthesised and characterised using single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR and elemental analysis. In [Cd(3,4′-bpt)2(H2O)2]·H2O, two types of 21 helical chain were formed by the 3,4′-bpt spacers bridging the Cd(II) centres along the crystallographic a axis. These two helices were both in an orderly arrangement with the Cd atoms functioning as hinges to form the one-dimensional ordered helical array. The thermal stability and luminescent properties of the title complex have been briefly investigated.