In the course of the service, the failure often begins at the surface/interface of the mechanical materials. Light metal materials (such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium and their alloys) have gained a wide range of applications in aerospace technology, automotive, electronics, biomedical and marine engineering due to high strength, low density and high ductility. However, the highly chemical activity and the soft characteristics often limit further applications. Nevertheless, in recent years, many technologies such as laser etching, chemical etching, anodizing and micro-arc oxidation have been developed in the scientific community for micro-nano processing and processing of light metal surfaces. By these technical means to modify and regulate the surface structure and composition, certain properties of the materials (such as mechanical properties) have been improved or some potential applications (such as anti-corrosion, antibacterial, etc.) have been endowed, thereby achieving more functional protection of material surface. Based on the research of domestic and foreign scholars and some research works in the group in recent years, the methods and principles of the micro-nano manufacturing of light metal surfaces and the relationship between surface structures and functional properties were summarized, and multi-functional composite interface was constructed on the surface of the material to enhance the anti-wear, corrosion resistance, anti-icing and other properties. Finally, the development of micro nano fabrication and the functional protection on the surface of light metals is reviewed and prospected.