Two Cd–Ln clusters [Ln₈Cd₂₄L₁₂(1,4-BDC)₄(OAc)₃₈(OH)₂] (Ln = Eu (1) and Nd (2)) were constructed using a flexible Schiff base and rigid 1,4-BDC ligands. The Cd–Ln clusters exhibit interesting nano-drum-like structures which allow direct visualization by TEM. The introduced 1,4-BDC units act as efficient energy transfer donors for lanthanide luminescence, resulting in superior luminescence properties of 1 and 2.