The characteristics and development history of Mg-Zn series alloys are briefly presented. Different research perspectives of microstructures of Mg-Zn binary alloy are emphatically introduced and analyzed and research progresses of Mg-Zn multi-element alloys are summarized. Plastic deformation，such as high ratio extrusion，severe plastic deformation and rapid solidification etc.，has greatly increased mechanical properties of Mg-Zn series alloys; a large number of G.P. zones formed during pre-aging stage of two-step aging can significantly improve the mechanical properties of alloys. These plastic forming processes and the two-stage aging treatment are the current hot research areas.Finally，some directions for the future research of Mg-Zn series alloys are suggested.