Using a measurement system consisting of monochromators, photomultiplier tubes, piezoelectric pressure sensors and a digital oscilloscope, characteristic emissions of intermediate products OH, CH and C2 produced in the combustion reaction of methylcyclohexane were measured behind reflected shock waves in a shock tube, and ignition delay times of methylcyclohexane/oxygen/argon were acquired. Experimental conditions cover temperatures from 1 164 to 1 566 K, pressures from 1.03 to 1.99 atm, a fuel concentration of 1.0%, and an equivalence ratio of 1.0. Combustion reaction characteristics of methylcyclohexane were obtained qualitatively by analyzing emissions from intermediate products OH, CH and C2. The measured ignition delay times agree with available experimental data and the prediction of a combustion reaction mechanism. Current work provides experimental data for constructing and validating the combustion reaction mechanism of methylcyclohexane.