Originally Posted by
The Lev
I believe you can buy intra-China flights pretty cheap from local travel agents - even at 50% miles, it migth be worthwhile - and a way to tour China.
This is wise and probably far more economic way to go about an MR in OP's situation.
Another suggestion is taking UA 895/6 (or the upcoming 737 CO 99/8 October 30th onwards) HKG-SIN-HKG for about USD $250 (through November) netting about 3100 status miles + any E/SE bonus if you picked the mileage bonus benefit.
Beware of the god awful arrival/departure times though! (and they're just getting worse with the 737 changeover)