In the winter of 2008-2009 I used UA miles to book four economy PEK-ULN round trip for the following summer 2009. Typically CA only opens up two Y award seats per day on this route. Very occassionally I saw four seats available, usually on Saturdays or Sundays. I never saw any CA blackouts during Naadam.

I used expertflyer to watch inventory and then called UA to book; we spread our arrival over two days. I didn't have a problem running into *Net blocking 7-8 months out, but when I tried to make changes a couple of months before we traveled, CA was still reporting plenty of award inventory but for UA it had magically disappeared.

*Net blocking is likely going to limit you. Also, I never saw CA open up any business class award seats on that route. You'll have better luck sticking with economy class. Finally, I recommend that you concentrate your search on the PEK-ULN-PEK segments and then add on HKG/SZX/CAN-PEK leg after you find the tough seats.

The only other way to get there with miles is to use Skyteam (KE or SU) but these airlines usually do not have daily frequency into ULN. If you decide to pay cash instead, OM through PEK is usually has the best fares.

EDIT: A couple more tidbits: The daily PEK-ULN on CA departs in the morning so you will not be able to connect in a single day. However, I think this year they have added a second afternoon flight for dates around Naadam. Also, summer flights into ULN are typically delayed, sometimes until after sundown because of high winds. If you are connecting, plan on a very long wait in Beijing.I have been to ULN many times and never had an ontime arrival or departure during the day. Nighttime flights are just the opposite, usually on time.

Yes, it's a hassle to get there, but definitely worth it!