To develop Mg-Gd-Y based high-strength alloys and widen the application of magnesium alloys, the effects of Y addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-12Gd-1Zn-0.6Zr alloy are investigated by using both optical and electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction (XRD),differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis,and tensile test．The results indicate that adding 2%Y to the Mg-12Gd-1Zn-0.6Zr alloy does not cause an obvious change in the as-cast microstructure of the alloy. However,after adding 3%and 4%Y,the as-cast microstructure of the alloy is coarsened,and simultaneously the morphology of the secondary phases in the alloy is changed from the initial discontinuous fine network to thick skeleton-like frame. Furthermore,adding 2%-4%Y to the Mg-12Gd-1Zn-0.6Zr alloy can also refine the grains of the as-extruded alloy,and adding 2%and 3%Y can obtain higher refining efficiency than adding 4%Y. In addition,adding 2%-4%Y to the Mg-12Gd-1Zn-0.6Zr alloy can also effectively improve the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the as-extruded alloy,and the ultimate tensile strength,yield strength and elongation of the as-extruded alloy with the addition of 2%Y can reach 348.8 MPa,256.8 MPa and 14.7%,respectively.