The dragon could be referring to "Chasing the dragon". This could narrow the scope to the use of heroin. If u would find dragons anywhere...its in China.
The monkey could also represent his own body(a lesser being than the "smart homo sapien") wich the abuser knowingly neglects.
The (heroin) abuser is turning white(literally) from neglecting his body's needs(food, maintainence, regular sleep, relaxation etc etc) while he chases the dragon to China (somewhere he will never arrive).
Any drug user can tell u that the search for the good or ultimate kick is always there, and almost never fullfilled.
(Almost) every shot's result dissapoints you but u keep using cause the next shot might get u to China.
Hope this shines a new light on that particular bit of a great song.
As a reply to ObessiveTendencies:
The dragon could be referring to "Chasing the dragon". This could narrow the scope to the use of heroin. If u would find dragons anywhere...its in China. The monkey could also represent his own body(a lesser being than the "smart homo sapien") wich the abuser knowingly neglects. The (heroin) abuser is turning white(literally) from neglecting his body's needs(food, maintainence, regular sleep, relaxation etc etc) while he chases the dragon to China (somewhere he will never arrive). Any drug user can tell u that the search for the good or ultimate kick is always there, and almost never fullfilled. (Almost) every shot's result dissapoints you but u keep using cause the next shot might get u to China.
Hope this shines a new light on that particular bit of a great song.