1. Different organizers: Dunhuang Cultural Fair is hosted by National Cultural Heritage Administration, China, aiming at displaying and promoting China's heritage, while Hainan Boao Forum is co-sponsored by China government and other institutions, aiming at promoting international economic cooperation and exchanges.

2. Different contents: Dunhuang Cultural Fair mainly displays and promotes China's heritage, including Dunhuang murals and Silk Road culture; Hainan Boao Forum focuses on global economic, political and social issues, covering international trade, finance, energy and environment.

3. Different scales: Dunhuang Cultural Fair is small in scale, usually held only in Dunhuang area, and the exhibitors are mainly China heritage institutions; Hainan Boao Forum is large in scale, attracting government officials, entrepreneurs and scholars from all over the world.