In order to improve the surface properties and satisfy the controlled degradation of biomedical magnesium, Zr ion implantation was conducted on ZK60 magnesium with different doses in the range from 1×10 16 to 5×10 16 ions cm −2 and an accelerating voltage of 40 kV. The Zr ion concentration and displacement damage were simulated by the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM), the surface morphologies, structure, composition, surface mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid were investigated using atomic force microscope, fieldemission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nano-indentation, electrochemical experiments and the hydrogen evolution tests. The results indicated that the distribution of the implanted Zr concentration and displacement damage can be accurately adjusted through controlling the implanted doses, the ZK60 surface becomes smoother after Zr ion implantation along with the reduced roughness at specific doses. When the dose is 2×10 16 ions cm −2 , a gradient modified layer mainly composed of MgO, ZrO 2 and Zr, in thickness greater than 120 nm, formed on the near-surface of ZK60 after Zr ion implantation. Besides, it also possesses the largest hardness and modulus, the lowest corrosion current density and hydrogen evolution volume, indicating that the surface mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of ZK60 can be effectively improved by Zr ion implantation. Additionally, the modification mechanisms were also discussed.