Transition metal vanadates have gradually caputured reseachers' attention as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, because of their high specific capacity and relatively high chemical stability. However, they suffer from low rate performance and short cycling performance because of the intrinsic low electronic conductivity and large volume variation during lithiation and delithiation. Here we report a design of zinc pyrovanadate nanoplates embedded in graphene networks through a facile one-pot hydro thermal method. Benefiting from graphene and zinc pyrovanadate nanoplates, this nanocomposite possesses high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability. Particularly, it exhibits a high reversible capacity of 902 mA h g(-1) at 500 mA g(-1), maintaining 854 mA h g(-1) after 400 cycles. The impressive electrochemical performance makes it a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries.