A review of research development of surface modification of Zircaloy is presented. Pre-film, ion-implantation and laser surface treatment are mainly summarized. For pre-film methods, pre-oxidation in autoclave, evaporated coatings and anodic oxidation are briefly introduced, then, the effect and principle of Y, La and Nb are explained for ion-implantation, finally, the research progress of laser surface melting (LSM) and laser surface alloying (LSA) is presented for laser surface treatments.