Mediated by 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ), the reaction of aminopyrazoles and 1,3-diarylpropenes is disclosed, which further undergoes intramolecular cyclization and dehydro-aromatization in the presence of Cu(OTf)2/tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). A series of pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridines are obtained in moderate to excellent yields. It has the advantages of high atom economy, wide substrate scope, and one-pot procedure.