Objective To study the corrosion resistance of hot dip galvanized pure Zn and Zn-Al-Ni-RE alloy coatings of highstrength steel Q420 under the acidic and copper accelerated salt spray corrosion condition. Methods On the basis of surface pretreatment, the Q420 steel was treated by hot dip galvanizing. Copper accelerated acetic acid salt spray corrosion test was carried out according to GB 6460—1986, and the corrosion resistance of the pure Zn coating and Zn-Al-Ni-RE coating was compared. Results With the addition of Ni, RE and other elements, the coating surface was bright and the microstructure became finer. After 192 h, the corrosion weight loss of pure zinc coating was 2. 7 times higher than the corrosion weight loss of Zn-Al-Ni-RE alloy coatings under the acidic and copper accelerated salt spray corrosion condition. Pure zinc coating showed red rust after 72 h, while Zn-Al-Ni-RE alloy coating showed red rust after 120 h, so Zn-Al-Ni-RE alloy coating was more corrosion resistant than the pure Zn coating. Conclusion By means of adding nickel aluminum elements and rare earth elements, the corrosion resistance of alloy coating was greatly improved.