Thiacalix[4]arene ligands have the advantages of high recognition, derivatization, excellent stability and other advantages. Lanthanide (Ln) ions can coordinate with thiacalix[4]arene ligands to form multi?functional coordination clusters, which received increasing attention due to their unique catalytic, magnetic, optical properties. Thiacalix[4]arene can sensitize Ln ions to luminescence by the coordination of phenol and S groups via the "Antenna effect". This paper reviewed recent advances in structures, luminescent properties, and applications of luminescent Ln?thiacalix[4]arene complexes.