No ropes, no fear: Taiwan goes wild as Alex Honnold completes solo 101-storey skyscraper climb

Few people push human limits like Alex Honnold, turning impossible-looking acts into reality with sheer hard work and focus. On a sunny day in Taipei, this legend took on a skyscraper that towers over the city, drawing the attention of thousands below and millions of users online.

Honnold’s climbs aren’t just stunts; they are standing proof of mental steel and precise skill.


In a busy world, stories like his spark that inner fire to chase dreams, no matter the height. Taiwan’s skyline became his stage, proving that one person’s courage can light up a city.

Urban climber thrills Taipei with extraordinary skyscraper climb

American climber Alex Honnold free-soloed Taipei 101’s 508-metre (1,667-foot) exterior on Sunday, without ropes or gear. Starting from street level, he gripped narrow L-shaped ledges and ornamental spikes up one corner, taking about 90 minutes to reach the spire.

Crowds cheered wildly below as he waved in his red shirt. According to the Associated Press, he said afterwards, “It was like, what a view, it’s incredible, what a beautiful day… It was very windy, so I was like, don’t fall off the spire.”

Toughest parts tested skill

The “bamboo box” sections midway proved difficult - eight steep, overhanging segments of eight floors each, broken by balcony rests.

Honnold used his limbs to grab around decorative protrusions using bare hands, heel hooks, and smears. Broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second delay caused by rain, he stayed calm even as the urban buzz increased.

Crowd energy fills him with enthusiasm

Unlike his usual lone climbs in the wild, this one drew huge crowds cheering from the streets and buildings. On the 89th floor, he flashed a casual smile and a wave. “When I was leaving the ground, you’re like, oh, it’s kind of intense, there are so many people watching,” Honnold shared, according to ESPN. “But then honestly, they’re all wishing me well… it just makes the whole experience feel almost more festive.”

Fame from Free Solo legacy

Famous for his ropeless 2017 climb of El Capitan (star of the Oscar-winning Free Solo), Honnold wants this talent to inspire meaningful life choices.

According to The Globe and Mail, at a press conference he shared, “Often they’ll watch something like this, and it’s a reminder that their time is finite and they should use it in the best way, the most meaningful way that they can.” Taiwan’s President tweeted, “This morning, many of us in Taiwan watched with racing hearts… today, the world saw not only 101, but also the spirit & beauty of Taiwan.”

Piers Morgan, an English journalist, called it “astonishing,” while Bear Grylls, a British adventurer, called him “a legend… so glad you survived.” Unlike Alain Robert's 2004 rope climb, Honnold's was the first full free solo.