Daring Ascent: Alex Honnold Climbs Taipei 101 Without Gear

Mon Feb 02 2026 16:53:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Legendary climber Alex Honnold showcases his unmatched skills by scaling the iconic 101-floor Taipei 101 skyscraper with no safety gear, completing the challenge in just 91 minutes.

In a breathtaking feat of skill and bravery, American rock climber Alex Honnold ascended the Taipei 101 skyscraper without any safety equipment. The impressive climb of the 508-meter (1,667 feet) tall building took him only 1 hour and 31 minutes, far surpassing the previous record set by Alain Robert. Honnold's ascent was streamed live on Netflix, captivating audiences and featuring encouragement from fans who witnessed his daring climb.

American climber Alex Honnold has successfully scaled the Taiwan skyscraper Taipei 101 without a rope, harness, or safety equipment.

The building, known for its bamboo-like design, stands at 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall and is a landmark in Taipei. Honnold, renowned for his rope-free climbs, notably ascended El Capitan in Yosemite without safety gear, cementing his reputation as a premier free climber.

The climb was initially delayed due to wet weather but was broadcast live on Netflix, with a noted precaution for the audience regarding potential delays in the live feed. Honnold completed the vertical challenge in one hour and 31 minutes, exclaiming Sick in sheer thrill after reaching the summit.

Impressively, his time is less than half of the four-hour record by Alain Robert, who previously climbed Taipei 101 using ropes and safety gear.

Vice President of Taiwan, Hsiao Bi-khim, congratulated Honnold on social media, highlighting the anxiety associated with such high-risk ventures. Upon reaching the top, Honnold was met by his wife who expressed concerns about the windy conditions during his ascent.

As he reached the 89th floor, fans cheered from behind the glass, adding to the excitement of the climb. Clips of the ascent were widely shared on social media, capturing the essence of Honnold's audacious performance.

Honnold's extreme climbs have earned him recognition beyond the climbing community, including an Academy Award for the documentary Free Solo, which chronicles his historic ascent of El Capitan.

}