Fujian, a coastal province in China, has identified 20 uninhabited islands that could be leased for up to 50 years to global tourism investors, according to the State Oceanic Administration.

These islands, which have good terrain and are close to the mainland, will only be leased for tourism use, a statement released on the administration website said, adding that an open public auction of the leases would be held.

Those bidding to lease the islands are required to invest at least 500 million yuan ($80.27 million) on each island with annual investment reaching 50 million yuan, according to the Fujian Provincial Department of Ocean and Fisheries.

It said construction should start the year after signing the contract and infrastructure projects, including ports and buildings, should be finished within three years.

Besides such requirements, developers have to submit detailed development plans to local marine administrative authorities and further actions cannot be taken until approved by an expert panel, as stipulated by the country's Island Protection Law.

According to official figures, the province has 2,114 uninhabited islands, of which 132 are suitable for development as tourist resorts.

The first 20 islands to be offered for lease have suitable natural and geological conditions to develop into high-end tourist resorts, featuring such facilities as yacht clubs and golf courses, the local ocean and fisheries bureau said.

The 20 islands are just a small part of the country's uninhabited islands eligible for lease.

In 2011, China released a list of 176 uninhabited islands it would open to Chinese and foreign investors for development.