A bit confusing as a name… “The Place” (in Chinese: shi mao tian jie) is located next to CBD and on Dongdaqiao Lu, close to the famous Silk Market (or Silk Street if you prefer the old name).

My activities are often all in that area so I go there nearly daily: my gym (California Fitness, in The Place), our karaoke (SOHO Shangdu), my Chinese school (Hanwei Plaza) plus several massage place all in walking distance. In the area there are many (new) restaurants, including in The Place (with the biggest buffet in Asia, plus Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, …). Just discovered other ones in SOHO Shangdu and in Prosper Center (basement). Next door there is also a new movie theatre. So, enough choice.
The Place is now a popular tourist destination, many buses stop there for the tourist to look at the huge screen. While huge and impressive, it’s quality is rather soso (not a BARCO…). People all come to take some quick pictures. Not sure it brings money to the coffee shops (at least 3) and the mall.
The huge screen also serves as a roof for frequent entertainment and commercial activities: ice skating, pop groups, car exhibitions, 3G mobile promotion, etc.
The biggest problem there: no taxis during the week between 5 and 9pm. So I normally have to walk home or grab one of those pedicabs…