Alex Honnold Free-Solos Taipei 101 in Daring Climb That Stunned the World

In a breathtaking display of human endurance and precision, American rock climber Alex Honnold completed a historic free solo ascent of Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Rising 508 metres above the streets of Taipei, the iconic tower became the stage for one of the most audacious urban climbing feats ever attempted.

Without a rope, harness, or any protective equipment, Honnold began his climb along one corner of the skyscraper, relying entirely on narrow architectural features such as L-shaped outcroppings and ornamental ledges for grip. Unlike his previous ascents in remote natural landscapes, this climb unfolded in the heart of a bustling city, with hundreds of spectators watching from below as he steadily moved upward against steel, glass, and concrete.

The ascent lasted nearly 90 minutes. As Honnold reached the spire at the top of the 101-storey tower, cheers erupted from the streets below. Wearing his signature red shirt, he calmly raised his arms and waved, standing poised above the city skyline. Despite the extreme height and strong winds near the summit, Honnold maintained composure, later describing the view as extraordinary and the experience as both intense and rewarding.

Taipei 101’s distinctive architecture posed unique challenges throughout the climb. The building’s stacked “bamboo box” design created multiple overhanging sections, particularly in the middle portion of the tower. Each segment required careful planning and flawless execution, with only brief pauses on balconies allowing Honnold to rest and chalk his hands before continuing.

At several points, he manoeuvred around large decorative elements protruding from the façade, pulling himself upward using only handholds carved into the building’s design. The climb was streamed live on Netflix with a short delay, following a one-day postponement due to weather conditions, adding to global anticipation around the event.

Honnold is best known for redefining the limits of free solo climbing. His 2017 ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo, established him as one of the most fearless athletes of his generation. However, climbing before a live urban audience marked a departure from his usual solitary approach.

Despite initial nerves, Honnold acknowledged that the presence of cheering spectators ultimately added a positive energy to the experience. At one point, he even smiled and waved from the 89th floor, appearing remarkably calm while thousands watched in disbelief.

Following the climb, Honnold said he hoped the feat would inspire people to reflect on how they use their time and pursue meaningful goals. He noted that many viewers take personal motivation from witnessing such challenges, seeing them as reminders of life’s finite nature and the importance of purpose.

The achievement drew admiration from around the world. Leaders, broadcasters, and fellow adventurers praised the climb as astonishing, highlighting not just its technical difficulty but also the spirit of courage and discipline behind it.

While Taipei 101 has been climbed before—most notably by French climber Alain Robert using safety equipment—Honnold’s ascent marked the first complete free solo climb of the skyscraper. The feat has now been etched into climbing history, standing as a testament to what is possible when preparation, mental strength, and skill align at the highest level.