This application provides a method for transmitting path load information and a network node. The method includes: obtaining, by the network node, M pieces of path load information; aggregating, by the network node into one load metric based on the M pieces of path load information, load of all shortest paths that are from the network node to the destination node and that pass through M adjacent nodes corresponding to the M pieces of path load information, where the load metric indicates total load of all the shortest paths from the network node to the destination node; and sending, by the network node, information about the load metric to another adjacent node other than the M adjacent nodes of all adjacent nodes of the network node.