ZK60 magnesium alloy is one of high-strength wrought magnesium alloys. Owing to its high strength and low density, it has nearly the highest strength to density ratio among existing materials. Because its strength approximates to high-strength aluminum alloy 7075, it has promising application future. The history of magnesium alloy ZK60 and researches on its microstructure, mechanical properties, surface treatment, and the effects of alloy elements and microelements are reviewed . Further more, the authors put forward methods to improve its microstructure and mechanical properties and prospected the development future of this alloy in the aspects of surface treatment and application.