In the eyes of Xi Jinping, his father Xi Zhongxun was a hero, a source of pride and a role model.

In a letter Xi Jinping wrote to apologize for his absence at the celebration of his father's 88th birthday in 2001 due to work, the son wrote that he wished to inherit many noble characteristics from his father, including being honest, modest, faithful, patriotic and frugal.

This file photo taken in 1958 shows 5-year-old Xi Jinping (L), his younger brother and their father Xi Zhongxun. (Photo: Photographs of Xi Zhongxun)

"I firmly believe that my father is a great hero, and my biggest source of pride. History has proven that you are a strong proletarian revolutionist worthy of the Party and the people," the future president wrote.

After reading the letter, Xi Zhongxun said to his other children and his friends at the birthday party: Work comes first and the state business takes priority. "Serving the people well is the best way of repaying me," he added, according to a 2018 report by China Radio International.

This file photo taken in 1975 shows Xi Zhongxun (R, front), his wife Qi Xin (L, front) and their son Xi Jinping (L, back) daughter Xi An'an (C, back) and son-in-law Wu Long (R, back). (Photo: Photographs of Xi Zhongxun)

Xi Zhongxun (1913-2002) was a revolutionary veteran and China's former vice premier. He loved his children but never spoiled them. When they were young, he liked to play with them and had them ride on his shoulders, according to an article issued by cpc.people.com.cn in 2014.

But he was also very strict with them, demanding they learn to be honest, diligent and frugal from childhood.

Xi Jinping poses for a photo with his father Xi Zhongxun in South China's Hainan Province in August 1978. (Photo: Photographs of Xi Zhongxun)

In a signed article published by Xinhua News Agency in 2013, He Jiesheng, daughter of Red Army general He Long, recalled that after Xi Jinping became a public servant, Xi Zhongxun told him: "No matter how high your position is, don't forget to serve the people diligently and earnestly. Keep in touch with the masses and be approachable."

Xi Jinping has always kept his father's words in mind.

This file photo shows Xi Jinping (R, back) with his father Xi Zhongxun (R, front), his wife (L, front) and his daughter (C, front). (Photo: Photographs of Xi Zhongxun)

"I will put aside my own well-being for the good of my people," said Xi, when asked about his mood when being elected the president. He has been carrying on his father's legacy and fulfilling his commitments.

Xi Jinping is not only a filial son but also a caring father.

Xi Jinping carries his daughter on a bicycle in Fuzhou, capital of East China's Fujian Province. (File photo: Xinhua)

On the bookshelf in his office there's a picture showing he joyously taking his daughter for a bicycle ride when he worked in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province.

Talking about the father-daughter relationship, his wife Peng Liyuan said, "Our daughter is very much like her father, and loves him very much. When she was little, she was naughty around me. But with her dad, she was always like a sweet little kitten."

The daughter is named Xi Mingze with parents' wish that she will live an honest life and make a contribution to society.