若從蕭山機場或杭州市區出發，想要最快抵達杭州西湖，最方便的地鐵站是地鐵1號線的「龍翔橋站」。這一站位於西湖東南側，C口出站後步行約5至10分鐘即可抵達西湖湖邊，特別是近湖濱商圈一帶，是旅客最常造訪的入口區域之一。地鐵1號線連接杭州東站、城站與主要市中心區域，轉乘也相對便利，適合從各大交通樞紐前往。

抵達龍翔橋站附近後，將會來到杭州西湖最熱鬧與經典的遊覽區段之一。首先映入眼簾的是湖濱公園與湖濱步行街，這裡是西湖的東岸精華區，沿岸建有開放式湖景長廊與精品商店，氛圍悠閒又現代。由此沿湖往南可達「南山路」，是文化氣息濃厚的一條綠蔭大道，兩側聚集多家博物館、美術館、書店與咖啡館，如「中國美術學院」與「胡雪巖故居」等。

繼續往西南方向步行，將會抵達著名的「雷峰塔」，這座塔是西湖十景之一的「雷峰夕照」所在，傳說與白蛇傳故事緊密相關，可登塔遠眺西湖南岸景致。若往北岸走，可到達「斷橋殘雪」，也是白蛇傳中許仙與白娘子初遇的地點，是冬日雪景最迷人的取景點之一。繞行整個西湖一圈大約需2至3小時，途中會經過「蘇堤春曉」、「曲院風荷」、「三潭印月」等歷史悠久的西湖十景，亦可選擇搭乘遊船穿越湖心，感受水面上詩意盎然的風光。

西湖週邊同時也是杭州文化與歷史的核心區，不僅景色秀麗，也蘊含著大量中國古典詩詞與神話傳說的意象，是中國傳統文人理想中「山水美學」的具體化身。不論是白天漫步湖畔、夜晚欣賞西湖音樂噴泉，或走訪沿岸的茶館與庭園，都能體驗到杭州「人間天堂」的獨特魅力。

If you're departing from Xiaoshan Airport or downtown Hangzhou and want to reach West Lake as quickly as possible, the most convenient metro stop is Longxiangqiao Station on Metro Line 1. Located on the southeastern edge of the lake, this station provides easy access—just a 5 to 10-minute walk from Exit C will bring you directly to the lakeside, especially near the Hubin (Lakeside) Commercial District, one of the most popular entry points for tourists. Metro Line 1 conveniently connects major transportation hubs such as Hangzhou East Railway Station, Chengzhan Station (Hangzhou Railway Station), and the central city area, making transfers and travel straightforward from across the city.

Once you arrive near Longxiangqiao Station, you’ll find yourself in one of the liveliest and most iconic sections of West Lake. The first sights to greet you are Hubin Park and Hubin Pedestrian Street, located along the lake’s eastern shore. This area features open lakeside promenades and boutique shops, blending a relaxed lakeside atmosphere with modern urban charm. From here, heading south along the lake takes you to Nanshan Road, a tree-lined avenue rich in cultural appeal, home to numerous museums, art galleries, bookstores, and cafés, including landmarks like the China Academy of Art and the Former Residence of Hu Xueyan.

Continuing southwest on foot will bring you to the famous Leifeng Pagoda, one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, known as "Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset." Closely tied to the legendary tale of the Legend of the White Snake, the pagoda offers panoramic views over the lake’s southern shore. Walking north along the lake instead, you’ll reach Broken Bridge, another iconic spot from the White Snake legend where Xu Xian and Lady White first met. It’s particularly renowned for its enchanting snowy views in winter. A full walk around the entire lake takes roughly 2 to 3 hours, during which you’ll pass other renowned scenic spots such as Su Causeway in Spring Dawn, Lotus in the Breeze at Crooked Courtyard, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Alternatively, you can choose to take a boat ride across the lake for a more poetic experience on the water.

The area surrounding West Lake is not only a scenic highlight but also the cultural and historical heart of Hangzhou. It’s filled with visual motifs from Chinese classical poetry and myth, serving as a living embodiment of traditional “mountains-and-water aesthetics.” Whether you're strolling the lakeside during the day, enjoying the West Lake Music Fountain at night, or visiting the tea houses and classical gardens along the shore, you’ll be immersed in the unique charm that has long earned Hangzhou its nickname as “Heaven on Earth.”