The Khitan people (or Khitai; Kitan; or Kidan); were a nomadic Mongolic people; originally located in Mongolia and Manchuria (the northeastern region of modern day China) from the 4th century. They dominated a vast area in northern China by the 10th century under the Liao Dynasty; but have left few relics that have survived until today.

After the fall of Liao in 1125; many Khitans moved further west and established the state of Kara Khitai; which was finally destroyed by the Mongol Empire in 1218.