American rock climber Alex Honnold completed a dramatic ascent of Taipei 101 in Taipei on Sunday, scaling the entire structure without ropes, harnesses, or protective equipment. The feat turned one of the world’s most recognisable skyscrapers into the setting for a rare urban free-solo climb.
As Honnold reached the spire of the 508-metre tower, cheers erupted from a crowd gathered at street level. About 90 minutes after starting the climb, he stood at the summit wearing a red short-sleeve shirt and waved his arms overhead, acknowledging the spectators who had followed his progress from below.
Describing the experience afterward, Honnold said the view from the top was extraordinary but the conditions were challenging. Strong winds near the spire demanded careful balance and constant focus. He said the moment combined intense concentration with the thrill of seeing the city from a unique and breathtaking vantage point.
Honnold climbed along one corner of the building, using small L-shaped outcroppings built into the exterior as footholds. At several points, he had to manoeuvre around large ornamental structures protruding from the façade, pulling himself upward using only his hands and feet.
Although the tower has 101 floors, the most demanding section was the central portion known as the “bamboo boxes,” which give the building its distinctive appearance. This stretch is divided into eight stacked segments, each consisting of eight floors of steep, overhanging surfaces followed by balcony areas. Honnold used these balconies to take brief rests before continuing upward.
The climb was broadcast live by Netflix with a 10-second delay. The event had originally been planned for Saturday but was postponed by a day due to rain, which could have made the surface too slippery for a safe ascent.
Climbing in front of a cheering crowd was an unusual experience for Honnold, who is more accustomed to remote natural settings. He said the presence of so many people felt intense at first, but the supportive atmosphere soon made the climb feel almost festive, with spectators clearly wishing him well.
The ascent sparked widespread admiration as well as debate, with some observers raising ethical concerns about broadcasting such a high-risk activity live. Supporters hailed it as a testament to human skill and discipline, while critics questioned the potential influence on others.
Honnold is not the first climber to scale Taipei 101, but he is the first to do so without a rope. French climber Alain Robert climbed the building on Christmas Day in 2004 during its opening celebrations, using safety equipment.
Already renowned for his ropeless climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Honnold’s ascent of Taipei 101 adds another landmark achievement to his career, further cementing his reputation as one of the world’s most accomplished and fearless climbers.
