Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Alex Honnold scales Taipei 101 without ropes
Alex Honnold, a famous American rock climber, did something really amazing and scary.
He climbed a super tall building called Taipei 101 all by himself without any ropes or safety gear.
This is called a free solo climb.
The building is 508 meters tall, which is like stacking about 150 tall trees on top of each other!
People watched from below and cheered for him.
He even stopped halfway to wave at the crowd.
The climb was shown live on Netflix with a small delay.
It was supposed to happen on Saturday, but it rained, so they had to wait until Sunday.
Alex said the view was incredible and that it was a bit windy, but he was very careful not to fall.
It was a really big moment in climbing history.
Alex is known for his previous achievement of being the first person to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
He also runs a foundation that supports solar energy projects worldwide.
Alex Honnold completed a free solo ascent of Taipei 101 without ropes or safety equipment in 91 minutes.
The climb was streamed live on Netflix with a 10-second delay and was postponed from Saturday to Sunday due to rain.
Honnold paused midway through the climb to face the crowd and acknowledge their cheers.
After reaching the top, Honnold described the view as incredible and the experience as windy but beautiful.
The climb was carried out with the official approval and full cooperation of the Taipei 101 management and the city government.
- Who
- Alex Honnold, a 40-year-old professional climber specializing in free soloing
- What
- A free solo ascent of Taipei 101 without ropes or safety equipment
- When
- Sunday, originally scheduled for Saturday but postponed due to rain
- Where
- Taipei 101, Taipei
- Why
- To achieve a historic free solo climb and share the experience with viewers
Pro-Climbing
Safety Concerns
Risk vs. Achievement
Pro-Climbing
Honnold's climb is a remarkable achievement in free solo climbing, showcasing his skill and courage.
Safety Concerns
The climb was extremely dangerous and could have resulted in fatal consequences if something went wrong.
- Climber
- Alex Honnold
- Location
- Taipei 101, Taipei
- Height
- 508 meters (1,667 feet)
- Type of Climb
- Free solo ascent
- Streaming Platform
- Netflix
- Original Scheduled Date
- Saturday
- Actual Date
- Sunday
- Reason for Postponement
- Rain
- Time Taken
- 91 minutes
- Birthdate
- August 17, 1985
- Age
- 40
- Notable Achievement
- First person to free solo El Capitan in Yosemite National Park
- Foundation
- Honnold Foundation
- Residence
- Las Vegas area
- Family
- Wife Sanni McCandless and two daughters
Sources
American rock climber Alex Honnold scales Taipei 101 without safety gear, video stuns internet: ‘Truly insane historical moment’
US Climber Scales Taiwan's Tallest Building Without Ropes In 91 Minutes
Who is Alex Honnold? US Climber scales Taipei 101 without ropes in 91 minute: VIDEO
Who is Alex Honnold? Rock climber makes history by scaling 101-floor skyscraper without safety gear in Taiwan
