Mg-Al-Sn-Si system alloy, as a promising cheap heat-resistant Mg alloy for automobile engine part, has been investigated. Refinement of microstructure and precipitation of thermally stable secondary phases are important goal for the design of heat-resistant Mg alloy. In this study, the effect of Ce on the microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties of Mg-Al-Sn-Si alloy was investigated. High thermally stable $Mg_2Si$ phases in Mg-Al-Sn-Si alloy is very useful intermetallic compound. However, the $Mg_2Si$ phases often result in poor mechanical properties due to the coarse chinese type $Mg_2Si$ phases. The experimental specimens were fabricated by fluxless melting under $CO_2+SF_6$ atmosphere and poured into the permanent pre-heated at $200^{circ}C$. It was told that Ce addition can modify $Mg_2Si$ phases and refine microstructure and improve the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation.