Nanlao Spring is part of Jinci Temple, China’s oldest royal ancestral temple, built during the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century–771 BC). Over 1,200 years ago, the famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai praised Nanlao Spring in his poem: “The flowing water of Jinci is clean like jade.” For centuries, this natural wonder has attracted visitors with its crystal-clear waters. Sadly, in the 1990s, the spring dried up due to falling groundwater levels caused by excessive mining and overuse of water resources.  

The spring’s disappearance decades ago served as a wake-up call. Coal mines and industries around Taiyuan had drained groundwater. To save the spring, Shanxi province took bold steps: closing nearby coal mines, limiting water-heavy industries, and launching conservation projects. These efforts raised groundwater levels, allowing the 2,400-year-old spring—known as “the Never Aging Spring”—to revive.

Today, the water level at Nanlao Spring stands over a meter above its fountainheads, marking a victory for ecological restoration. Several fountainheads have come back to life and the jade-like waters are flowing again, attracting numerous visitors. “This revival reflects Shanxi’s progress in protecting the Yellow River Basin’s environment and managing groundwater,” said Wang Runmei, a local official. At the same time, visitors are amazed by the spring’s beauty and the temple’s ancient cypress trees. “The fresh air and rich cultural heritage make the area ideal for developing the healthcare industry,” one visitor said. Meanwhile, experts monitor the spring daily to ensure its water quality and temperature remain stable.

As a key water source for North China, Shanxi’s success in reviving Nanlao Spring offers hope for balancing development and nature. “Nanlao Spring carries deep cultural emotions and beautiful memories for the people of Shanxi,” said Liu Yuwei of the Taiyuan Culture Relics Bureau. 

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1.1. What primarily caused the drying up of Nanlao Spring in the 1990s?

A Natural climate shifts in North China.

B Decreased rainfall over centuries.

C Excessive human exploitation of resources.

D Urban expansion around Jinci Temple.

解析：选C。细节理解题。由第一段末尾提到的泉水干涸的原因“falling groundwater levels caused by excessive mining and overuse of water resources”可知，也就是说，人类对资源的过度开发是导致难老泉泉水干涸的原因。故选C。

2.2. What can be inferred about Shanxi’s measures to revive the spring?

A They prioritized industrial growth over ecology.

B They focused solely on water purification technology.

C They depended on international financial support.

D They required reducing environmentally harmful activities.

解析：选D。推理判断题。根据第二段“To save the spring, Shanxi province took bold steps: closing nearby coal mines, limiting water - heavy industries, and launching conservation projects.”可知，山西为拯救难老泉采取了大胆举措，包括关停附近煤矿、限制高耗水产业以及开展保护项目。这些措施均旨在减少对环境有破坏作用的活动。故选D。

3.3. What evidence confirms the success of Nanlao Spring’s restoration?

A Improved air quality in Taiyuan.

B Stable water levels above fountainheads.

C Increased coal mining permits.

D Expansion of local healthcare facilities.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第三段“Today, the water level at Nanlao Spring stands over a meter above its fountainheads, marking a victory for ecological restoration.”可知，难老泉水位现已超过泉口一米多，这标志着生态修复取得了胜利。故选B。

4.4. Why does the article mention the healthcare industry’s potential in the area?

A To criticize the lack of medical infrastructure.

B To highlight ancient cypress trees’ medicinal value.

C To promote tourism for temple restoration funds.

D To link ecological recovery with economic opportunities.

解析：选D。推理判断题。第三段中一名游客评论道“The fresh air and rich cultural heritage make the area ideal for developing the healthcare industry”，即清新的空气和丰富的文化遗产使该地区成为发展医疗保健产业的理想之地。这暗示了生态恢复带来了环境优势，而这种优势能够转化为经济潜力，体现了生态与发展之间的联系。故选D。