A phytic acid chemical conversion bath was applied to a sample of AZ31 magnesium alloy in this study; a transparent conversion coating formed subsequently on the sample surface. The test results of this coating with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that there exist compact coatings on the surface of treated magnesium alloy. With the analyses of electronic probe microscopy (EPMA) and IR spectrum, a further study of this coating indicated that the coating was mainly composed of phytate and oxide or hydroxid. Furthermore, The electrochemical tests showed that the phytic acid bath conversion treatment enhanced the corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloys. The optimal pH of the phytic acid bath was 9.00-10.00.