Herein, ruthenium (II) polypyridine complexes with imidazole and bi-imidazole ligands were first studied as specific anion chromogenic sensors in aqueous media, both in the dark and under light irradiation. Under light, Ru1-2 of ethyl-imidazole ligands showed a better performance in sensing CO32-, HSO3- , and ClO- via an obvious color change that can be detected by the naked eye over other 13 kinds of anions, compared with their performance in the dark. Ru3 and Ru5 of the bidentate ligand could sense four anions of CO32-, HSO3- , ClO-, and HCO3in aqueous media by colorimetry without irradiation. Besides, the specific anions can significantly quench the deep red emission of each complex, and Ru3 and Ru5 can act as emissive "turn-off" anion recognition probe. The paper strips loaded with Ru5 can be used to detect different concentrations of CO32- (2.5-10 mM) in aqueous media under sunlight and ultraviolet light. Moreover, Ru2 as a representative complex in the series shows low cytotoxicity and high cellular uptake under dark condition, and an enhanced phototoxicity within 72 h, which shows good potential to be a PDT and PACT therapy agent.