Four Cr4+-activated transparent glass-ceramics containing different species of silicate nano-crystals (Zn2SiO4, Mg2SiO4, Li2ZnSiO4, and Li2MgSiO4) were successfully prepared. Absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectra, lifetime decay curves, and quantum yield of these transparent glass-ceramics were measured. According to the crystal field strength of Cr4+-incorporated tetrahedral sites, the broadband near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of Cr4+ can be tailored from 1130 to 1350nm and the lifetime of Cr4+ luminescence can be prolonged from 6 to 100s. Quantum yield in the transparent glass-ceramics containing Li2ZnSiO4 nano-crystals reached at 17%, which is the highest value of NIR luminescence in transition-metal-activated glass materials.