Two days ahead of the 125th anniversary of Soong Ching-ling's birthday and the 140th anniversary of Ho Hsiang-ning's birthday, an exhibition of relics and pictures opened at the former residence of Soong, wife of Sun Yat-sen, in Beijing on Thursday.

The exhibition, co-sponsored by the Research Center of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, and the Shanghai Sun Yat-sen and Soong Ching-ling Heritage Management Committee, was attended by more than 70 representatives.

Soong Ching-ling, born in Shanghai in 1893, was the wife of Chinese revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who led the 1911 Revolution. She got to know Ho Hsiang-ning in Japan after she married Sun Yat-sen. Ho was the first female member of the Chinese Revolutionary League. She was married to Liao Zhongkai, a senior statesman of the Kuomintang.

In early 1925, Sun was badly ill. Ho Hsiang-ning went to Beijing to take care of him. Sun wanted her to take care of Soong after his death. The two great ladies built ties of profound friendship during the long-term revolutionary career.

A ceremony marking the 125th anniversary of the birthday of Soong was held before the opening of the exhibition.

The friendship between Soong and Ho was particularly illustrated during the exhibition. It showcased more than 120 photos and around 20 relics, including the first-ever showing of the letters between Soong, Ho and their families, as well as the wedding gifts given by Soong to Li Mei, her secretary Liao Mengxing's daughter.

The exhibition is open until June.