Abstract: A literature search was carried out covering the evolution of the Chinese name for alfalfa and the names for related species, the introduction of alfalfa into China and distribution within China, the early cultivation practices and the significance of alfalfa in ancient Chinese society. Records were accessed dating from scholar Sima Qian (born c. 145 BCE) to the time of the Southern and Northern dynasties (420-589 CE). According to the records located, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was introduced to China from the Middle East early in the Han dynasty (c. 200 BCE) and was at first called “目宿” (Musu), only becoming known as “苜蓿” (Mùxu) from the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE). Initially the main use was as a feed for the imperial horses of which there were reportedly some 400000 in the early Han dynasty period. The imperial administration in the Han dynasty maintained an alfalfa nursery with an appointed official in charge and facilitated seed distribution. Young shoots of alfalfa were used as a vegetable in early spring, and alfalfa was also planted as an ornamental species in the imperial gardens. Thus alfalfa use became established within a few centuries from the Tarim basin in the west to Ningxia in the East and from Mongolia in the north to Qinghai in the south. The Northern Wei dynasty scholar, Jia Sixie (6th century CE) summarized the cultivation, management and utilization practices for alfalfa in irrigated and dryland farming, and this consolidated alfalfa cultivation and utilization in China. The Eastern Han dynasty scholar Cui Shi (7th century BCE) documented alfalfa sowing and cutting periods, indicating further development of alfalfa cultivation and utilization technology. From archaeological evidence, alfalfa was used for commodity trading from the early Han dynasty (c. 200 BCE). In conclusion, the introduction of Alfalfa in the Han dynasty enriched China’s agricultural production, and the impact of alfalfa in China is described in clear and reliable historical records, which add an important perspective to the cultivation history of Alfalfa in the world.