Go straight to the source if you want Chinese and oriental sensibility, writes Andrea Dixon.

LANDMARK SHOP
Sheepskin rugs come in all shapes and sizes here, starting at $55. Soft underfoot on polished floors, they are also lovely tucked under the bottom sheet of a cot to make a very snug bed for baby in winter. There are alpaca quilts, from $400, and pillows for $60. "The tourists buy the sheepskin, particularly those from China. I have been selling them for 12 years and it's a good business for me," says co¿owner William Poh. He also deals in Australiana including coasters, coffee mugs and teaspoons.
Shop 318, Harbour Plaza, 25 Dixon Street, 9211 1999

SHUN FAI MODERN
Classic Chinese velvet beaded slippers, red paper lanterns, amusing clocks, golden cats with one waving hand and all the feng shui needs that you will ever desire can be found at this busy arcade stall. Spend hours digging around for red-and-gold good luck charms to dangle from car rear-view mirrors or over the front door. This is a real treasure trove, with the kinds of items that are quickly disappearing as yum cha houses and noodle bars take over. A set of six embroidered Chinese silk placemats in electric blue with matching napkins and chopsticks and silk covers, $15, will add some South China style to any table.
Shop 1, East Ocean Arcade, 427 Sussex Street, 9281 9991

PO HANG GROUP
This is the spot for the mahjong devotee. Pick up foldaway mahjong tables for $80. The timber table top is inlaid with the board and accessories. There is also the complete game for $138. The shop is packed with stationery for Chinese New Year - there is a big collection of red paper envelopes, decorations, banners, paper money and tiny toy dragons that will keep the kids amused while you nosh down a steamboat.
419 Sussex Street, 9281 6101

FREDERICK CASEY MOMO
Look here for cute bolsters, cushions and pillows to decorate the kids' rooms. There are giant cat-shaped cushions for $65 and blue bone-shaped pillows for $58. All of the soft furnishings bear the Momo motif of cats, dogs and mice. It's very sweet and is displayed on everything from cup-holders to fabric calendars, clothing and overnight bags.
Shop D11, Sussex Centre, 401 Sussex Street, 9212 1192

CHINA EMBROIDERY & GIFT SHOP
This Chinatown landmark has been trading from the top end of Dixon Street for 20 years. Its stock rarely changes and it specialises in delicately embroidered white-cotton tablecloths and pretty pillowslips for just $9.50. Take a peek at the extraordinary Chinese junk musical lamp along with the pretty silk fans and parasols, calligraphy sets for $10 and funky silk pin-cushions and lotus flower-shaped tea light holders, $13. This is the place to pick up a cheongsam.
Shop 1, 31 Dixon Street, 9281 2141

PHOENIX BOUTIQUE
If you are in the market for a 10th-century, four-arm Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva for a cool $20,000, this is the place for you. It is filled with a huge variety of Buddha statues - big fat Chinese Buddhas, or long and lithe Thai varieties. Some are carved into pieces of jade while others are honed from scented sandalwood. They are all beautiful. I like the clay tea sets with six tiny cups, boxed for $38. Look for reproduction Ming and Sung dynasty vases, pots and bowls.

G1b Citymark Building, 683 George Street, 9280 3399