Learn Hardcore Chinese: zhè gè dìfang zěnmeyàng?

Chinese typically needs a measure word (classifier) between a demonstrative and a noun. So 这 + 个 + 地方 is the neutral, safe form for “this place.” The generic measure word 个 works well with 地方. Some very common nouns allow the measure word to be dropped in casual speech (see next question), but as a learner, using 这个地方 is always correct and natural.

Can I drop 个 and say 这地方怎么样?

Yes. 这地方怎么样？ is common and a bit more casual. The measure word is often omitted with a small set of high-frequency nouns such as 地方, 人, 事(儿), 话, 时候. Don’t generalize this too broadly; with many nouns, you still need the measure word (e.g., 这本书, not just 这书 in most contexts).

How do I pronounce 地方 here—dìfang or dìfāng?

In this sentence (meaning “place/spot”), it’s pronounced dìfang with a neutral tone on the second syllable. When 地方 means “region/local” (as in 地方政府 “local government”), it’s pronounced dìfāng (first tone on 方). So:

这个地方: zhège dìfang
地方政府: dìfāng zhèngfǔ

Why is there no subject like 你? How would I add it?

Chinese often drops obvious subjects. 这个地方怎么样？ implicitly means “What do you think of this place?” If you want to say it explicitly, you can use:

你觉得这个地方怎么样？ (What do you think of this place?)
你看这个地方怎么样？ (How do you find this place?)

Is 怎么样 the same as 怎么 or 怎样?

怎么样 (zěnmeyàng) asks about the state/quality: “how is it,” “what do you think.”
怎么 (zěnme) asks about method or reason: “how,” “why” (e.g., 怎么去 how to get there; 怎么这么贵 why so expensive).
怎样 (zěnyàng) is a near-synonym of 怎么样; it sounds a bit more formal/literary or regional. In everyday speech, 怎么样 is more common.

Can I say 这里怎么样 or 这儿怎么样 instead? What’s the difference from 这个地方?

这里/这儿 = “here,” anchored to the speaker’s current location. Use these if you’re physically at the place.
这个地方 = “this place,” which can be on a map, in a photo, or otherwise identified (not necessarily where you are). Also, 这儿 is more colloquial/northern Mainland; 这里 is standard everywhere (mainland and Taiwan).

How do I pronounce 个 and 这 here? Is it gè or neutral ge, and zhè or zhèi?

个 is often pronounced with a neutral tone (ge) in fast/casual speech after 这/那, but gè (fourth tone) is also fine.
这 is zhè, but many speakers say zhèi before a classifier in colloquial speech: zhèi ge dìfang. Both are widely understood.

Can I put 怎么样 at the beginning, like 怎么样这个地方? Should I add 是, like 这个地方是怎么样?

Don’t front 怎么样 here; standard word order is [topic] + 怎么样 → 这个地方怎么样？
Don’t add 是 in this evaluation question. 这个地方是怎么样的？ is grammatical but asks for a description/definition (what kind of place it is), not a simple evaluation. For “How is this place?” stick to 这个地方怎么样？

How do I answer naturally in Chinese?

Use short evaluative phrases, often with intensifiers:

挺好的。 (tǐng hǎo de) Pretty good.
不错。 (búcuò) Not bad / pretty good.
还行。 (hái xíng) It’s okay.
一般。 (yìbān) So-so.
不怎么样。 (bù zěnmeyàng) Not so good / nothing special.
很安静，也很方便。 Very quiet and convenient. Tip: Plain adjectives often take an adverb like 很 in statements: 很大, 很干净.

What does 不怎么样 mean exactly?

It’s an idiomatic, mildly negative evaluation meaning “not very good,” “nothing special,” or “so-so at best.” It’s a handy, natural reply to questions with 怎么样.

Are there more formal alternatives to 怎么样?

Yes:

如何: 这个地方如何？ (more formal/written)
In very formal or literary style: 何如 (rare in modern speech) For everyday conversation, 怎么样 is the most natural.

Are there other measure words I can use with 地方?

Yes, depending on nuance:

处 (chù): a spot/place (more formal or written) — 这处地方/这处.
片 (piàn): an area/tract — 这一片地方 (this area).
块 (kuài): a piece/patch (land/ground) — 这块地方. When in doubt, 个 is the safe default.

Does 地方 only mean “place”? I’ve seen it used differently.

It also means:

“region/local” (pronounced dìfāng): 地方新闻 (local news), 地方口音 (regional accent).
“aspect/part” in the sense of “point/section” of something: 这篇文章有几个地方不清楚。 (There are a few parts that aren’t clear.)

Is there a difference between 这个地方怎么样 and 这个地方好不好?

怎么样 is open-ended and invites a general evaluation: “How is it? What do you think?”
好不好 is a yes/no style question focusing on “good or not.” Both are fine; choose based on whether you want an open-ended response or a binary judgment.

Can 怎么样 be used for suggestions like “How about …?”

Yes. Put 怎么样 after a proposal:

我们在这儿吃，怎么样？ How about we eat here?
明天去那个地方，怎么样？ How about going to that place tomorrow?

Can I add sentence-final particles like 啊/呀/呢?

Yes, they soften the tone:

这个地方怎么样啊/呀？ more casual/friendly
这个地方怎么样呢？ gentle, inviting the listener’s view The meaning stays the same; the vibe gets softer or more conversational.