A field emission element includes one supporting wire and at least one field emission layer coated or otherwise formed on an outer surface of the supporting wire. Each field emission layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and is selected from a group consisting of CNT-polymer composites, CNT-glass composites and single-layer/multi-layer CNT films. A method for manufacturing the described field emission element is also provided. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing one supporting wire; (b) forming at least one field emission layer on an outer surface of the supporting wire; and (c) cutting the supporting wire, after forming the at least one field emission layer thereon, according to a predetermined length and then treating the at least one field emission layer on the supporting wire to form the field emission element.