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. 

奇速英语 原创编写 版权所有 侵权必究！ 每日更新 个性化阅读 英语飙升！

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.

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.

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.

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.