By establishing the simulation model of 35 kV lines, the difference of lightning withstand level and the variation of shunt coefficient of towers are studied under three lightning protection cases of applying a shielding wire without lightning arresters, applying lightning arresters without shielding wires, and applying lightning arresters and a shielding wire. The simulation results show that the shunt coefficient of the tower with a shielding wire without lightning arresters is at least 20% larger than that with both lightning arresters and a shielding wire under the same grounding resistance. In addition, when the grounding resistance is less than 20 Ω, the lightning withstand level of the line having a shielding wire without lightning arresters is 1.8 to 2.0 times higher than that of the line having lightning arresters without shielding wires. The lightning withstand level of the line having lightning arresters and a shielding wire is 1.9 to 2.3 times higher than that of the line having a shielding wire without lightning arresters. When the grounding resistance is 20, 15, 10 and 5 Ω respectively, the improvement effect of lightning withstand level of the line in the condition of having shielding wire without lightning arrester is less than 60% of the other two conditions. The research results have certain guidance and reference value for the lightning protection of 35 kV transmission line.