On the basis of rhodamine, a versatile trifunctional chemosensor RP has been synthesized. It can selectively and sensitively recognize Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in different solutions. Based on the zinc-containing [RP@Zn²⁺] complex, it shows highly selective recognition for His/Cys. Fluorescent imaging of Zn²⁺ in living cells was also obtained.