Asiana Club - Best way to use up Asiana miles?

I have 190k asiana miles from using a cc. I want to go to China in May, but Asiana's schedules and routes are not great. Is there anyway to use those miles for an upgrade on United (star alliance partner and much better route options) without buying a full boat B or Y fare?

I am using Priority Club points for IC Hong Kong and Shanghai, so I don't really need hotel nights. Any other good schwag I could get get for those miles?

I am going to change out using that card because now I have found how challenging it is to use those miles.

You can still combine with other star alliance members for your award trip. Depend on flight distance, it might slightly cheaper (need less miles) than OZ-only, but usually slightly expensive than OZ-only award. Also usually more expensive than many other airlines' program in many cases. You can make up to 5 stopovers incl. final destination, but limited to 2 stops at one country.

For upgrading star-alliance airliners, you have to buy expensive ticket, so not a good idea. Still star-award for business class is only 50% higher than Y, while many airliners ask twice than that of Y, so it is somewhat bargain in some sense. Am I looking at too bright side? :)

Welcome to FT and the friendly OZ forum, Umami_Tsunami!

I think the best way to spend your miles will be for a business or first class award. If you tell us a bit more about where you want to go we can help you even better.
For example, if you wanted to go to PVG, then there is UA flying there from Chicago which still has good award availability in May. You will need either 115,000 or 150,000 miles for this award in C depending on routing.

Asiana also flies from US cities to Korea and then on to China which might be an option as well. Of course there are other alternatives like CA, AC, SQ etc. which might be good as well depending on your timing and destination. And if you want to have stopovers on the way or not.

One of the big issues you might find will be availability in premium cabins when booking at such short notice.