Ultra-high temperature ceramics have the unique advantages of being able to maintain physical and chemical stability in ultra-high temperature environments (>2000°C) and in reactive atmospheres (e.g., atomic oxygen, plasma environments), and thus have great potential for applications in thermal protection systems for high-speed aircraft and hot-end components for rocket engines. In recent years, Ta_xHf_1-xC (x=0~1) ultra-high temperature ceramics have become a new hot topic in the field of ultra-high temperature ceramics due to their ultra-high melting points and excellent resistance to oxidation and ablation. Based on the available published reports, this paper presents a comprehensive review of the research progress on the composition, preparation, intrinsic properties and high-temperature oxidative ablation properties of Ta_xHf_1-xC (x=0~1) ultra-high-temperature ceramics in abroad and domestic. The relevant progresses in the preparation and properties of the material systems are highlighted, the shortcomings of the existing studies are summarized, and the future research trends are prospected, aiming to provide useful guidance for the theoretical, experimental and application studies of Ta_xHf_1-xC (x=0~1) ultra-high-temperature ceramics.