The Bonan people (Chinese: 保安族; pinyin: Bǎo'ānzú) are a distinct ethno-linguistic group from all other Mongolic peoples, living in Gansu and Qinghai provinces in Northwestern China.

The Bonan ethnic group is one of China's smallest ethnic groups. With a population of about 16,000, they mainly cluster in the area around Mt. Jishishan and Linxia County, southwest of Gansu Province. They may have originated from the amalgamated Mongolians, believing in Islam, Han, Tu, Hui and Tibetan before settling in the Bonan area.

The Bonan people (Chinese: s=保安族|p=Bǎo'ānzú) are a distinct ethno-linguistic group from all other Mongolic peoples, living in Gansu and Qinghai provinces in Northwestern China.

The Bonan are small Muslim minority that lives primarily in four villages located in the foothills of the Jishi Mountains on the southern bank of the Yellow River in western Gansu Province. Also known as the Bao'an, Baoan, Baoan Hui, they speak a South Asian language, practice ground burials and celebrate Muslim holidays.

With a population of just sixteen thousand, they are one of the smallest ethnic minorities in China. They speak a unique Bonan language which is part of the 'Altai' language family descended from Mongolian. Most can also speak and write Mandarin Chinese like the majority Han people.

The Bonan people are the 7th smallest of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. A sideline occupation for which Bonans are particularly noted is the making of knives.

The Bonan people is one of China's smallest ethnic minorities, with only 16,505 people. Its language belongs to the Mongolian branch of the Altaic language family and is close to that of the Tu and Dongxiang ethnic minorities.

Apr 1, 2025 · The Bonan is one of China's smallest ethnic minorities, with only 12,212 people (by 1990). They mainly cluster in the area around Xunhua County in Qinhai Province and Linxia County, southwest of Gansu Province.

May 21, 2005 · The Bonan is one of China 's smallest ethnic minorities, with only 16,505 people. Its language belongs to the Mongolian branch of the Altaic language family and is close to that of the Tu and Dongxiang ethnic minorities.

The Bonan are divided into two different Muslim sects: Sunni, sometimes called the "Old Teaching"; and Shiite, sometimes called the "New Teaching."