The intuitive representation of load-transfer laws can provide mechanical guidance for structural design and optimization. In this study, a load paths visualization method based on the discrete element method was proposed. Firstly, the basic principle of load paths visualization based on force chains of discrete particles was established. The physical model of particle contact force and the corresponding calculation equations for load paths were given. The contact state and internal load-transferred process of particles within the structure were simulated through the discrete element model. Furthermore, the specific process for displaying expressive load paths was provided. The influence of particle size and loading time on the evolution process of force chain was analyzed, and the contact mechanism between particles was verified. Subsequently, the perforated flat plate, three-point bending beam, and five point bending beam were used as case studies to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The results show that this method can clearly present the load paths inside the structure through the force chains distribution, achieving an explicit expression of the load-transfer laws and providing a new method for understanding the load-transfer mechanism inside the structure.