By Micah Jonah
January 25, 2026
TAIPEI – U.S. climber, Alex Honnold scaled Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper, without ropes or safety nets on Sunday, completing a daring 91-minute “free solo” ascent witnessed by thousands of cheering fans. The climb was organised and broadcast live by Netflix.
Reaching the spire, Honnold exclaimed, “Sick,” reflecting on the breathtaking view of Taipei. The 508-meter (1,667-foot) tower, once the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, dominates the city skyline and is a major tourist landmark.
Honnold acknowledged the importance of permission, saying he had once considered climbing without approval but chose to respect the building and the team who facilitated the event. Executive Producer James Smith highlighted the rare trust extended by Taipei 101 and city authorities, calling the building “a real icon of this country.”
Taiwanese politicians celebrated the stunt, with President Lai Ching-te praising Honnold and Netflix for showcasing Taipei’s skyline and the country’s scenic beauty to a global audience.
This marks a new high-profile ascent for Taipei 101. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert, known as “Spiderman,” scaled the building with a safety rope, taking four hours to complete the climb.
