Starbucks has been shortlisted as a key project in the bid for a non-residential public housing lease on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province, local media reported.

Two key projects have been introduced since local authorities launched interim measures for the direct administration of non-residential public housing leases on the Island.

Another project has gone to Essilor International Group, a French company principally involved in the corrective lens business.

A preceding plan for 27 non-residential public houses to be leased is currently available, which echoes the interim measures that encourage bidders related to culture shows, industrial art and music.

Gulangyu Island, the most popular scenic spot in Xiamen, was listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017. Its heritage includes a settlement composed of 931 historical buildings and it represents a variety of local and international architectural styles, natural sceneries, historic roads and gardens.

Starbucks, a Fortune Global 500 company, is expected to open a new store on Gulangyu Island. [Photo/sipaphoto.com]