Alex Honnold Makes History With Free Solo Ascent of Taipei 101

Legendary Climber Scales Iconic Skyscraper Without Ropes — Live on Netflix

In a breathtaking display of skill and courage, American rock climber Alex Honnold successfully completed a historic free solo climb of Taipei 101 — one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world — without ropes, harnesses, or safety gear on January 25, 2026. The daring ascent was livestreamed globally by Netflix, captivating audiences with dramatic visuals and rare athletic mastery.

Honnold, 40, is renowned as one of the world’s greatest free solo climbers, having previously achieved global acclaim for his Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo. This latest achievement — scaling the 508-meter (1,667-foot) Taipei 101 tower — marked the highest urban free solo ascent ever completed.

A Climb Months in the Making

Originally scheduled for January 24, the climb was postponed 24 hours due to rain, a decision organizers made to prioritize safety given Taipei 101’s steel and glass exterior. When conditions cleared on January 25, Honnold began the ascent at around 9:10 a.m. local time, tackling the tower’s unique architectural challenges and navigating its steep “bamboo box” sections.

His climb took approximately 91 minutes, during which he paused briefly to wave at onlookers, interact with fans, and even take photos — moments that showcased both his remarkable calm under pressure and the festive atmosphere below. Honnold’s red shirt became an iconic image of the event, contrasting against the building’s massive glass façade.

Live Spectacle and Global Attention

The event, broadcast live under the Netflix special Skyscraper Live, drew thousands of spectators to the site and millions of viewers online. The climb also brought international focus to Taipei and Taiwan, shifting global attention to the city’s skyline and culture beyond its typical technology and geopolitical coverage. Taiwanese leaders, including President Lai Ching-te, publicly congratulated Honnold and Netflix for showcasing Taipei to the world.

“Congratulations to the brave, fearless Alex for completing the challenge,” the president wrote on social media, celebrating both Honnold’s achievement and the spectacle that united spectators worldwide.

The Significance of the Feat

Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building, and its smooth, largely featureless exterior posed an entirely different challenge than traditional rock faces. Honnold’s climb wasn’t just about physical strength — it was a test of technique, mental discipline, and endurance against a structure not designed for climbing.

Over his long career, Honnold has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in climbing — from Yosemite’s famous El Capitan to today’s urban skyscraper conquest — inspiring athletes, adventurers, and fans across the globe.