Abstract: This paper applies the principles of textual analysis to a collection of historical literatures and a summary of modern research findings in order to investigate the various interpretations of who is responsible for introducing alfalfa to China during the Han dynasty. There are four characteristic views of alfalfa’s introduction from Western Regions in the historical, agricultural and pratacultural fields. Claims have been made that those responsible were envoys of the Han dynasty, or Zhang Qian, or the Ershi General Li Guangli, while others claim it remains uncertain. Our investigation shows that the first view is closest to the historical facts. The second view is popular and accepted by most scholars but it lacks the support of historical data. The third view has not been widely accepted at present. Thus the claims that alfalfa was introduced by either Zhang Qian or Li Guangli need further verification by exploring the available historical data.