A novel nanofluid based on fluorescent carbon nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) was developed. Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles prepared by a simple and rapid method were used as a chemical agent for EOR and fluorescence imaging. Transmission electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer were employed to observe the shape, size, and surface components of the fluorescent carbon nanoparticles. The fluorescent carbon nanoparticles could be instantly dispersed in water without any auxiliary equipment. The nanofluid showed excellent antitemperature, antisalinity, oil displacement, and wettability alteration properties. The nanofluid (0.1 wt %) could reduce the oil-water interfacial tension to 13.4 mN/m. The oil recovery of a core immersed in nanofluid was significantly improved. The core intersection was observed by a fluorescence microscope. The fluorescence image demonstrated that the fluorescent carbon nanoparticles had seeped into the core. The fluorescent carbon nanoparticle-based nanofluid provides a promising and efficient chemical agent for EOR