More than 3000 eager travellers snapped up seats in the in low fare carrier Jetstar’s special sale celebrating the launch of the new Melbourne-Beijing (via Singapore) service.

Preston couple, Mark and Natasha Tristram, were among the first to purchase $149 fares during the launch sale. After visiting the pyramids in Egypt last year, Mark, a butcher and Natalie, a software representative, are on a crusade to visit the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

‘We saw $149 fares on a JetMail and because it was so cheap, we booked a three week holiday on the spot to visit the Great Wall of China,’ Mrs Tristram said.

Melbourne Fashion designer, Lisa Taranto booked no less than eight tickets for her friends and family for an adventure she said she simply couldn’t pass by.

‘I told my family about the $149 fares and they all jumped on Jetstar.com straight away. It was a really quick decision and we did the math, at under $150 one way it would cost us less to fly to Beijing than to go out to dinner.’ Ms Taranto said.

Genevieve Wallis, a public relations consultant from Hawthorn is planning her family’s first trip overseas.

‘Beijing is a cultural place I’ve always dreamed of visiting, but airfares have always been too high for us to seriously consider it. Now, we can all afford to go,’ she said.

Shannon Stacey from Melbourne will also benefit from Jetstar’s new low fares to Beijing. Her sister recently moved to Beijing for work and Shannon is busy planning her first visit.

‘Jetstar’s low fares mean our entire family can now travel to Beijing on a budget. With Business Class fares available for less than $1000, we may even upgrade on our first visit,’ she said.

Beijing joins Hangzhou, Guilin, Haikou, Shantou, Ningbo, Hong Kong, Taipei and Macau as Jetstar’s ninth destination in Greater China.

Jetstar is on sale today from Melbourne to Beijing* for ^$299 one way until midnight tonight (Thursday 14 July), unless sold out prior. See full details, terms and conditions at Jetstar.com.

Visit Jetstar.com today to book for low fare getaway to Beijing.

*Subject to regulatory approval

^$299 SALE TERMS & CONDITIONS

Available point of sale Australia only. The sale commences at 5:30pm (Aus time) Wednesday 13 July 2011 and ends at midnight on Thursday 14 July 2011 unless seats sell out prior. This offer is for travel between 24 November & 13 December 2011 and 14 February 2012 & 7 March 2012. Conditions apply (fares subject to availability, selected days & flights only, excluding travel on public holiday & school holidays)