Abstract: The as-cast microstructure of ZL201 alloy prepared by near-liquidus electromagnetic casting (NLEMC) was studied by means of electron microscope and image analyzer, and the mechanical properties of the alloy parts thixoformed were given through tests. The results showed that the semi-solid ZL201 alloy ingot prepared by NLEMC shows fine and homogeneous equiaxed grain structure and its average-equivalent-circle grain diameter is 48.8 μm, with the hardness of thixoformed parts 116.2 HV and tensile strength 308 MPa. All these indicated that both the as-cast microstructure of ZL201 alloy and mechanical properties of its thixoformed parts prepared by NLEMC process are superior to those of the alloy prepared by either electromagnetic casting or near-liquidus casting. The mechanism of grain refinement of as-cast ZL201 alloy prepared by NLEMC was discussed.