Chondrocytes are the only cells in articular cartilage, responsible for maintaining the homeostasis and balance of the extracellular matrix. The loss of chondrocyte number and functional imbalance play a key role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. However, because the articular cartilage has almost no regenerative capacity, it is difficult to obtain satisfactory results using the methods and drugs currently used to treat articular cartilage defects. Cartilage tissue engineering aims to generate hyaline cartilage in vitro and in vivo by artificial means, providing a new method for the repair of articular cartilage defects. Mesenchymal stem cells, as seed cells of cartilage tissue engineering, can differentiate into chondrocytes under specific induction conditions. Therefore, elucidating the relevant factors and specific mechanisms of cartilage formation in this process is critical to the success of future cartilage regenerative medicine. This article is intended to provide an overview of this topic.