Nanocrystalline vanadium carbide (VC) was synthesized via a chemical co-reduction process, in which VCl4 and CCl4 were used as the vanadium source and the carbon source, respectively, and metallic Na as a reductant in an autoclave at 500 degrees C for 12 h. X-ray powder diffraction indicated that the product was an NaCl type of VC with a cell constant a = 4.171 angstrom. A transmission electron microscopy image showed the VC particles were 10-40 nm in size. X-ray photoelectron spectrum and Raman spectrum showed the surface covered with oxide and graphite. The formation of nanocrystalline VC was discussed based on thermodynamics.