American climber Alex Honnold scaled Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, completing a rope-free ascent of the 101-storey, 508-metre skyscraper in just 91 minutes.
Relying only on small architectural features for handholds and footholds, Honnold tackled the building’s most exposed and technically demanding sections, including the overhanging midsection known as the “bamboo boxes.”
Thousands of spectators watched from the streets below, while millions followed the live broadcast organised by Netflix.
The climb went ahead after being postponed by a day due to wet weather.
Reaching the spire, Honnold exclaimed the climb was “sick” and later told reporters the summit offered “a beautiful way to see Taipei.”
At 40, Honnold is already renowned for pushing the limits of free solo climbing, most famously for his ropeless ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
READ ALSO: Trump to Host Historic UFC Fight at White House on 80th Birthday
His Taipei 101 climb marks a new milestone: the first known rope-free ascent of one of Asia’s most recognisable architectural landmarks.
Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world.
While others have climbed it with ropes, Honnold’s feat demonstrates both technical skill and daring, drawing global attention to the skyscraper and the climber’s extraordinary abilities.