25.01.2026 18:41
World-renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold climbed the 508-meter tall Taipei 101 skyscraper, one of Taiwan's iconic structures, without using any ropes or safety equipment. This dangerous climb, which lasted about 90 minutes, astonished onlookers, while the live broadcast of the event raised ethical questions about the boundaries of high-risk performances.
Considered one of the world's bravest climbers, Alex Honnold pushed the limits this time not in nature but in the heart of the city. The American athlete made headlines by climbing the 508-meter tall Taipei 101 skyscraper in the capital of Taiwan, Taipei, without using any ropes or protective equipment. The climb, which lasted about 90 minutes, excited the spectators and also sparked ethical debates due to its live broadcast.
90 MINUTE DANGEROUS JOURNEY
During the climb on Sunday, Honnold was greeted with applause by the crowd gathered at street level when he reached the sharp peak of the building. The athlete, who reached the summit in his red short-sleeved shirt, raised his arms in the air to salute the spectators.
"BEING THERE WAS AN INCREDIBLE FEELING"
Speaking after the climb, Honnold noted that the wind was occasionally challenging, stating, "The view was incredible. I tried to maintain my balance, but being there was an indescribable feeling. It was a very special way to see Taipei."
THE MOST CHALLENGING POINT OF THE BUILDING: 64TH FLOOR
Known for climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park without using ropes, Honnold ascended Taipei 101 by utilizing the small L-shaped protrusions. At times, he had to navigate around the large decorative structures that extended out from the building and pull himself up using only his bare hands.
The most difficult section of the 101-story building was the 64th floor in the middle, known as the "bamboo boxes," which gives the structure its characteristic appearance.
LIVE BROADCAST SPARKED DEBATE
Honnold's climb was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay. The event, originally scheduled for Saturday, was postponed by a day due to rain. For Honnold, who usually climbs in desolate and remote areas, the cheers of the crowd were an unusual experience.
"At first, the large number of spectators makes you a bit nervous," said Honnold, "Then you realize that everyone is there with good wishes. This makes the experience more festive."
A COMPLETELY NEW RECORD
Alex Honnold is not the first person to climb Taipei 101; however, he made history as the first climber to do so without using any safety equipment. Previously, French climber Alain Robert had climbed the building using ropes in 2004.