四面八方 (sì miàn bā fāng) is a set phrase meaning 'from all directions' or 'everywhere around'. It emphasizes the idea of every side and corner, often used with 从 (from) or 到 (to). Compared to 四处 (sì chù), which is a noun meaning 'all around', 四面八方 is more vivid and literary, painting a picture of all eight compass points. 五湖四海 (wǔ hú-sì hǎi) refers to people coming from all over the country, not physical directions.