Abstract: Magnesium alloy is a metal material with a smallest density in practical use. It has high specific strength, good electrical and thermal conductivity, good machinability and good biocompatibility characteristics, but its application is severely limited due to its poor chemical stability, loose and porous surface oxide film and poor corrosion resistance. The corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys in atmospheric environment is reviewed, and the research status of common surface treatment techniques, such as chemical oxidation, anodic oxidation, micro-arc oxidation and organic coating, is summarized. Finally the research directions of corrosion behavior of magnesium alloys in atmospheric environment and surface treatment techniques are prospected.