A finite element analysis model of 8 MW wind turbine towers has been established to obtain the vibration response characteristics, followed by the modal analysis, harmonic response analysis and transient response analysis of wind turbine towers. The results of modal analysis show that the vibration shape of first four modes of the tower are all bending vibration, under which condition the tower barrel will not resonate with the fan working at rated speed. The results of harmonic response analysis show that, with the load frequency between 0~2 Hz, there are two resonant frequencies in the frequency domain response curve of tower, corresponding to the first mode frequency and the third mode frequency of the tower respectively. When the third order resonance of the tower occurs, the displacement of tower top in Z direction exceeds 4.5 m, which is in unsafe working state. The results of transient response analysis show that the maximum displacement and stress of the tower undergo no significant change within the allowable operating wind speed range. Under extreme loading condition, the maximum displacement and stress of the tower increase significantly, without the strength failure of the tower barrel occurring.