In the present work, the grain growth and densification behavior of α-alumina powders have been investigated by two-step sintering method. The Al_2O_3, green bodies were first heated to 1400°C to achieve an intermediate density (> 75% of theoretical density), then cooled down and held at 1300°C for 2~168h until they became fairly dense. Experimental results indicated that the two-step sintering method was successful in enhancing densification and exhibiting grain growth. The best sintering conditions of 1400°C/60min~1300°C/168h were obtained to get smallest average grain size (<460nm) and the greatest fired density (> 96% theoretical density).