The performance characteristics and research status of hot-dip Zn, Zn-Al and Zn-Al-Mg alloy coatings were reviewed. The addition of Al in the Zn-Al alloy can retard the corrosion and oxidation of Zn, and at the same time, it can form a dense Al2O3 film on the surface of the coating to provide shielding protection. The addition of Mg element not only refines the coating structure, but also suppresses the formation of loose corrosion products and prolongs the life of the alloy coating. The effect of stress loading on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of hot dip coatings for bridge cables was evaluated by neutral salt spray test. The corrosion protection layer on the surface of the coatings can be destroyed by stress loading and then lead to accelerate the corrosion process. There are still many disputes about the existing coating evaluation standards for bridge cable steel wires. It should be combined with the current evaluation system to emphasize and discuss new and more suitable evaluation criteria. It is necessary to study the preparation technology and evaluation criteria of a new generation of (Zn-Al-Mg) alloy coatings, and promote the popularization and application of multi-alloy coatings with high corrosion resistance on bridge cable steel wires. At the same time, the corrosion damage of hot-dip coating for bridge cable steel wires under stress loading and related mechanisms should be considered.