Alex Honnold Free-Solos Taipei 101 Skyscraper

TAIPEI, Taiwan 

In a moment that blended extreme sport, live television, and global spectacle, American rock climber Alex Honnold has completed a historic free solo ascent of Taipei 101, scaling one of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers without ropes, harnesses, or any safety equipment.

The climb took place on January 25, 2026, after being delayed by 24 hours due to unfavorable weather conditions. Once the skies cleared, Honnold began his ascent of the 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower, a building that once held the title of the world’s tallest. The entire climb was broadcast live worldwide as part of a Netflix special, drawing millions of viewers and large crowds on the streets of Taipei below.

A daring climb on a global stage

Honnold, widely regarded as the world’s most accomplished free solo climber, spent approximately 90 minutes moving steadily up the exterior of the skyscraper. Using only his hands and feet, he relied on small ledges, architectural seams, and metal fixtures built into the tower’s distinctive design.

As he climbed, spectators gathered around the base of the building, many stopping traffic to watch in silence or cheer as he advanced higher into the skyline. Inside Taipei 101, office workers and visitors pressed against windows, filming as Honnold passed by at dizzying heights.

Conditions near the top proved especially challenging. Strong winds around the tower’s spire forced Honnold to slow down and remain intensely focused. Speaking after the climb, he acknowledged the difficulty, saying the wind was the most stressful part of the ascent and required absolute concentration to avoid any misstep.

A first for urban free solo climbing

While Honnold is no stranger to danger, this climb marked a significant first in his career. It was his first major free solo ascent of a man-made structure, a departure from the natural rock faces that defined his earlier achievements.

He rose to international fame in 2017 after free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. That climb cemented his reputation for combining elite physical ability with extraordinary mental control. The Taipei 101 ascent now stands alongside that achievement as one of the boldest climbs ever attempted.

Live broadcast raises ethical questions

The decision to broadcast the climb live sparked debate within the climbing community and beyond. While many praised the feat as inspirational and historic, others questioned the ethics of airing such a high-risk activity in real time, warning it could encourage imitation without proper understanding of the years of training and preparation involved.

Organizers emphasized that the event was carefully planned. Although Honnold climbed without safety gear, extensive precautions were taken around the building, including controlled airspace, emergency response teams on standby, and coordination with local authorities.

Honnold himself has repeatedly stated that free soloing is a deeply personal pursuit and not something he encourages others to attempt casually. He has said that his confidence comes from obsessive preparation and knowing every movement in advance.

Taipei in the global spotlight

For Taiwan, the event was more than a sporting milestone. Local officials welcomed the global attention, describing the climb as a moment that showcased Taipei’s skyline, architecture, and cultural presence to an international audience.

Taipei 101, long a symbol of Taiwan’s modern identity, became the backdrop for a rare fusion of extreme athleticism and urban design. Images of Honnold climbing the glass-and-steel façade quickly spread across social media, turning the skyscraper into one of the most talked-about landmarks in the world that day.

A defining moment of 2026

Now 40 and a father of two, Honnold has hinted that his approach to risk has evolved over time. Yet the Taipei 101 climb demonstrated that his appetite for pushing boundaries remains intact. By completing the ascent safely, he once again redefined what is considered possible in climbing.

As the sun set over Taipei and Honnold stood atop the tower, the moment marked not just the end of a climb, but the creation of a landmark event in modern sports history. For viewers around the world, it was a reminder of both the fragility and the astonishing potential of human achievement.

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