This paper reports that the lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric composites incorporating zinc oxide nanowhiskers (ZnOw) were prepared by the conventional solid state processing.The whisker-dispersed PZT composites (PZT/ZnOw) presented a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus,tensile strength and compressive strength.Especially,the compressive strength increased from 153 MPa for the PZT to 228 MPa for thc PZT/ZnOw composites.The reinforcement mechanism in strength of the composites was discussed.The mechanical quality factors of the PZT/ZnOw composites increased considerably,while the piezoelectric constants and electromechanical coupling coefficient decreased slightly.The composites with good electrical and excellent mechanical properties are promising for further applications.