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.