Abstract: The super-element method is used to significantly reduce computation time required for vibration characteristics analysis of long-span cable-stayed bridges, while maintaining an acceptable level of accuracy. In this method, each individual structural component is represented by a sub-domain in the super-element, and the deformation of sub-domains is improved by the introduction of incompatible modes. The evaluation of the stiffness matrix and the mass matrix is performed by introducing the second isoparametric mapping for each sub-domain, which allows the presence of different materials and members in a sole element. Free vibration analysis of Wenhui cable-stayed bridge in Hangzhou is conducted to illustrate the application of the new method. Accurate results with fewer degrees of freedom than those of comparable numerical algorithms are achieved.