In order to improve the bonding property of joint between SiC modified carbon/carbon (C/C) composites and Li 2 O–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 (LAS) glass ceramics, SiC nanowires were attempted as the reinforcement materials in the interface region of SiC transition layer and Li 2 O–MgO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 (LMAS) gradient joining interlayer. The C/C–LAS joint with SiC nanowire-reinforced interface layer was prepared by a three-step technique of pack cementation, in situ reaction and hot-pressing. The microstructure and thermal shock resistance of the as-prepared joints were examined. The average shear strength of the joined samples with SiC nanowires increased from 24.9MPa to 31.6MPa after 40 thermal cycles between 1000°C and room temperature, while that of the joined samples without SiC nanowires dropped from 21.4MPa to 8.3MPa. The increase of thermal shock resistance of the C/C–LAS joints was mainly attributed to the toughening mechanism of SiC nanowires by pullout, bridging and crack deflection.