西湖位于杭州市中心的西部，是江南三大名湖之一。由于西湖的缘故，杭州自古就被誉为“人间天堂”。西湖就像镶嵌(inlay)在广袤大地上的一颗璀璨的明珠，以其秀丽的风景、闻名的古迹、灿烂的文化和丰富的特产而闻名。宋代大文豪苏轼在西湖留下了“欲把西湖比西子，淡妆浓抹总相宜”的千古绝唱;白娘子的传奇故事(The Legend ofWhite Snake)也给西湖增添了一层神秘色彩。
　　The West Lake
　　The West Lake, located in the western area of Hangzhou's center, is one of the top three lakes in the regions south of the Yangtze River. Because of it, Hangzhou has been acclaimed as"a heaven on earth" since ancient times. The West Lake is like a shining pearl inlaid on the vast land, renowned for its beautiful scenery, well-known historical sites, brilliant culture, and plentiful local specialties. The literary giant Su Shi in Song Dynasty left a poetic masterpiece through the ages there: The West Lake is like the beauty Xi Shi, who is always charming with either light or heavy make-up (rainy or shiny). The Legend of White Snake also brings the West Lake an air of mystery.