Taipei, Taiwan: American rock climber Alex Honnold has completed a daring free solo climb of Taipei 101 on January 25, scaling the 508-metre (1,667ft) skyscraper without ropes or protective equipment.
A large crowd gathered below erupted in cheers as Honnold began his ascent earlier in the day, pulling himself up the tower using horizontal metal beams and architectural features with his bare hands.
Wearing a red short-sleeve shirt that stood out against the building’s exterior, Alex Honnold paused mid-climb at one point to turn and face the onlookers, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
The climb was broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay. Originally scheduled for January 24, the ascent was postponed by 24 hours due to rainy weather.
After reaching the top, Honnold described the experience as breathtaking, saying the view was incredible and the day was beautiful, though conditions were challenging due to strong winds near the spire. The climber noted that he focused on maintaining balance and staying calm at the summit, calling it a remarkable way to see Taipei from above.
Alex Honnold remarked that he hoped his achievement would inspire others to pursue their own challenges and goals. Honnold explained that watching feats like this often serves as a reminder that time is finite and should be used in the most meaningful way possible, adding that he hoped viewers would take that message from the climb.
Honnold, who previously gained global attention for his ropeless climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, ascended one corner of Taipei 101 using small L-shaped outcroppings as footholds. The climber also had to navigate around large ornamental structures that protrude from the building as he made his way upward.
Climbing in front of a cheering crowd was an unfamiliar experience for Alex Honnold, who usually performs such feats in remote locations. The climber admitted that the presence of so many spectators felt intense at first, but said the crowd’s support ultimately made the climb feel festive and encouraging.
Taipei 101 has 101 floors, with the most demanding section being the central portion known as the ‘bamboo boxes,’ which give the skyscraper its iconic design. This section consists of 64 floors divided into eight segments, each featuring steep, overhanging climbs followed by balconies where Honnold took short breaks during the ascent.
Although Alex Honnold is not the first climber to scale the building, he is the first to do so without a rope. French rock climber Alain Robert climbed Taipei 101 on Christmas Day in 2004 during the building’s grand opening, when it was the tallest structure in the world.
Robert congratulated Honnold, saying that he understood the intensity of the experience and expressed confidence in him throughout the ascent, noting that while his own climb was roped and took four hours in poor weather, Honnold’s achievement was extraordinary.
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