Abstract: Based on the latest design report of the Three-Gorges ship lift, a finite element model of the ship lift system is built using finite element code ANSYS. The model is composed of a chamber, lifting cables, pulleys, counters, water in the chamber, driving mechanisms and braking mechanisms. Modal and dynamic analyses were carried out using numerical simulation method. Modes of fluid-solid coupled system and dynamic responses under various working conditions including starting, braking and accidents were included. The parameters, such as spring stiffness, over-loading water, damping and the chamber position, were also discussed. The results show that the finite element model and the numerical method are reasonable for this kind of complicated system. It can provide necessary references for the integral design of ship lifting system.