A double acting alpha Stirling refrigerator includes a piston cylinder and a piston, the piston is provided in the piston cylinder. The piston is in a clearance fit with an inner wall of the piston cylinder. A closed cavity is formed inside the piston. A cross-shaped four-way pipe is provided in the cavity of the piston. A one-way air outlet valve and a one-way air inlet valve are further respectively provided on the four-way pipe in the cavity of the piston. An air outlet for connecting the cavity of the piston to the inner cavity of the piston cylinder is provided on the piston. A traction frame movable relative to the piston cylinder is provided outside the piston cylinder, and the movement of the piston is controlled by the movement of the traction frame.