Effects of activating fluxes on macromorphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of low power pulse laser beam welding of AZ31 magnesium alloy joints were investigated by microstructural observations and mechanical properties tests (including the ultimate tensile strength and hardness). The results showed that activating flux (SiO2) is more effective in improving the laser welded penetrations when the heat input is at a critical value (E=53.42 J mm(-1)). Five typical fluxes (SiO2, TiO2, ZnCl2, CaCl2 and CaF2) all increased the weld penetrations and D/W ratios of the welded joints. The morphologies of grains in the band zones with fluxes are characterised by dendritic crystals. Moreover, the widths of the band zones with oxide and chloride fluxes are wider than that with fluorine flux. The mechanical properties of the welded joints with fluxes were lower than those without flux. The fracture surface of the welded joints with fluxes exhibited a character of a mixed fracture.