Abstract: Nuclear power plant reactors are developing towards high safety, high fuel consumption and long operating cycles. Zirconium alloy is the key nuclear fuel rod cladding material. The cladding tube is connected with the end plug by welding to seal and insulate the fuel rods. The high temperature performance of zirconium alloy, especially the service performance of its welded joints, is an important guarantee for the safe operation of the reactor. The physical and mechanical properties of commonly used zirconium alloy materials were introduced in detail. The zirconium alloys involved include domestically produced Zr-4 alloy, N36 alloy, and CZ alloy. The welding process method of the zirconium alloy tube-end plug joint was summarized, and the research results of resistance butt welding between zirconium alloy fuel rod cladding tube and end plug joint were mainly described. The microstructure characteristics and service performance of zirconium alloy resistance butt welding joints were summarized. The research direction of resistance butt welding of cladding tubes and end plugs was prospected.