In order to decrease the number of design variables and improve the efficiency of com- posite structure optimal design, a single-level composite structure optimization method based on a tapered model is presented. Compared with the conventional multi-level composite structure opti- mization method, this single-level method has many advantages. First, by using a distance variable and a ply group variable, the number of design variables is decreased evidently and independent with the density of sub-regions, which makes the single-level method very suitable for large-scale composite structures. Second, it is very convenient to optimize laminate thickness and stacking sequence in the same level, which probably improves the quality of optimal result. Third, ply con-tinuity can be guaranteed between sub-regions in the single-level method, which could reduce stress concentration and manufacturing difficulty. An example of a composite wing is used to demonstrate the advantages and competence of the single-level method proposed. Compared to the conventional multi-level composite structure optiming method , this single-level method has many advantages. First, by using a distance variable and a ply group variable, the number of design variables is decreased evidently and independent with the density of sub-regions, which makes the single-level method very suitable for large-scale composite structures. Second, it is very convenient to optimize laminate thickness and stacking sequence in the same level, which may improves the quality of optimal result. Third, ply con-tinuity can be guaranteed between sub-regions in the single -level method, which could reduce stress concentration and manufacturing difficulty. An example of a composite wing is used to demonstrate the advantages and competence o f the single-level method proposed.