$ZrB_2$-based composites are candidate materials for ultra-high temperature materials (UHTMs). $ZrB_2$ has become an indispensable ingredient in UHTMs, due to its high melting temperature, relatively low density, and excellent resistance to thermal shock or oxidation. $ZrB_2$ powders are usually synthesized by solid state reactions such as carbothermal, borothermal, or combined carbothermal reaction. SiC is added to this system in order to enhance the oxidation resistance of $ZrB_2$. In this study, $ZrB_2$?based composites were successfully synthesized and densified through two different processing paths. $ZrB_2$ or $ZrB_2$ 25 vol.%SiC was fully synthesized from oxide starting materials with reducing agents after heat treatment at 1400$^{circ}C$. Besides, $ZrB_2$?20 vol.%SiC was fully densified with $B_4C$ as a sintering additive after hot pressing at 1900$^{circ}C$. The synthesis mechanism and the effect of sintering additives on densification of $ZrB_2$ ?SiC composites were also discussed.