In China, the Khotons (often called Qotungs) live in Inner Mongolia, concentrated in Alxa League and are classified as ethnic Mongols.

[7] However, while the term historically included multiple groups, modern research indicates that the Khotons are not directly related to the Hui people.

Instead, the Khotons have distinct origins, being primarily descendants of Turkic peoples brought to Mongolia by the Oirats or who migrated there during historical conflicts, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries.

[10] The Khotons of Inner Mongolia that reside in Alxa League are considered to be descended of Turkic peoples originally from Hami, Xinjiang, who later adopted and assimilated into local Mongol culture.

[4] Most scholars believe that the ancestors of the Khotons were brought to the area around the 18th century or earlier as captives from Xinjiang after the prince of the Alasha Mongols returned from fighting the Dzungars.

[11] According to local tradition, the ancestors of the Khotons arrived in the area in the late 17th century as merchants and eventually settled and assimilated with the Alasha Mongols.