Abstract: The microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets were investigated. The results show that homogeneous dynamic recrystallization (DRX) grains formed after extrusion, and both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the sheets were improved. However, obvious basal plane preferred orientation appeared in the extruded sheet, resulting in mechanical anisotropy. The samples in the extruded direction (ED) showed higher strength but lower elongation, while the samples in the direction 45° to ED showed lower strength but higher elongation. Moreover, the corrosion resistance was also closely related to the preferred orientation. The more obvious the preferred orientation on the basal plane, the better the corrosion resistance.