离这里远吗？

You can use it exactly as it is. Just point at a map or name a place first. For example, 'The Bund, 离这里远吗？'. It works perfectly as a standalone sentence. You do not need complex grammar to sound natural here. Just keep your tone rising slightly at the end. It is like asking 'Is it a hike?' in English.

Use it when you are exploring a new neighborhood. It is perfect for asking a shopkeeper about the nearest subway. Use it when a friend suggests a new hotpot spot. It is great for checking if you should walk or call a Didi. If your feet are starting to hurt, this is your go-to phrase. It helps you manage your energy and your schedule.

Do not use it if you are already at the destination. That would just be confusing for everyone. Avoid using it for abstract distances, like 'far from my heart'. This is strictly for physical geography and travel. Also, do not use it if you are asking about time. For time, you would ask if it takes 'long', not if it is 'far'.

In China, 'far' is a relative term. In a small town, a 20-minute walk is 'very far'. In Beijing or Shanghai, a 45-minute subway ride is 'very close'. People might answer based on their own city's scale. If an elderly person says it is close, get ready for a long walk. They are often much fitter than they look! Always take the answer with a grain of salt.

You can swap 这里 (here) for other places. Try 离你家远吗？ (Is it far from your house?). You can also add 很 (hěn) to ask 离这里很远吗？ (Is it very far from here?). If you want to be super casual, just ask 远吗？ (Far?). Most people will understand you perfectly from context. It is a flexible little phrase for any traveler.