The reaction process of nanometer ZnO preparation through basic zinc carbonate calcination was investigated via TG-DTG-DTA, IR, XRD and TEM methods. The spectra features and morphology variations of precursor and target products calcinated at different temperatures were investigated. The reaction process was deduced to be three stages, which include breaking of precursor crystallites, their decomposition, and growth of ZnO crystal nucleus. The most appropriate temperature for this reaction was demonstrated to be about 300℃.