The ablation properties of ZrCp/W composite were measured using a self--made oxyacetylene ablation equipment. The results indicate that the values of mass ablation rate and linear ablation rate are in the order of W>30vol%ZrCp/W>40vol% ZrCp/W. The ablation resistance of the composites greatly increases with increasing ZrC particle content. The important ablation surface temperature curves were detected in situ using a multi--wavelength pyrometer. Thermochemical oxidation of ZrC and W is the main ablation mechanism of ZrCp/W composites.