杭州乃南宋王朝都城，坐落于中國最大城市上海之西南不到180公里，也因此常被稱為上海的后花園。 但別以為這只是中國又一個城市中心。G20峰會的舉辦地杭州曾被馬可波羅譽為“世界上最精致美妙的城市”。如今，這一名號雖有待商榷，杭州依然是中國最具活力的城市之一。即使是最驕傲的上海人也不得不承認，杭州這個備受喜愛的周末度假地，在有些方面要勝于上海。

CNN近日評選出了“杭州比上海做得好的十件事”，僅當做杭州入門指南吧。

1. Lake living
湖畔生活

As you gaze upon Hangzhou's West Lake and its surrounding lush hillsides, you'll understand immediately why it's been a great source of inspiration for artists, poets and philosophers throughout Chinese history.
當你凝望杭州西湖及其周圍的青翠山坡，就會立刻明白杭州為什么能成為中國歷史上無數藝術家、詩人與哲學家的靈感源泉。

The mountain-fringed West Lake grounds are speckled with pagodas, pavilions, temples and gardens.
青山環繞的西湖一帶，散落著寶塔、樓閣、寺廟和園林。

The entire site covers more than 12,000 acres and there are numerous paths around the lake.
西湖地區總面積超過12000英畝，湖周邊還有無數道路縱橫交通。

A favorite starting point is Beishan Road, off which you'll see large patches of lotus blooms and leaves that seemingly stretch to the horizon.
北山路是個不錯的起點，從那里出發，可以看見大片荷花與蓮葉，似乎一直延伸到天際。

On the other side of the road are historic mansions and villas.
路的另一頭則是有歷史意義的宅邸和別墅。

To best experience the lake's charms, hike up to the hills in the early morning or at sunset.
于清晨或日落時分登上山峰，最能領略西湖的魅力。