A β-ketoenamine based covalent organic framework, COF-JLU4, was synthesized by condensation of 2,5-dimethoxyterephthalohydrazide with triformylphloroglucinol under solvothermal conditions. This COF has strong crystallinity, good porosity, photoluminescence properties and wettability for water. It can serve as the first COF-based fluorescent pH sensor in aqueous solutions.