A superhydrophobic film comprising hierarchical structures was successfully constructed on the surface of Mg alloy substrates by a facile hydrothermal process, and subsequently covered with fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) molecules. The results indicated that the superhydrophobic surface exhibited a static water contact angle of 151 degrees. The approach combined the increase of the surface roughness and reducing of the surface energy. The electrochemical measurement showed the superhydrophobic film provided an effective corrosion resistant coating for the Mg alloy substrate. Additionally, the corrosion resistant properties were compared to those of hydrophilic Mg alloy. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.