American rock climber Alex Honnold completed a ropeless ascent of Taipei 101 on Sunday, scaling the 508-meter skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital as crowds gathered below and a global audience watched via live broadcast.
The climb, completed in about 90 minutes, saw Honnold navigate the tower’s sharp angles and ornamental structures using only his hands and feet.
Cheers erupted at street level as he reached the spire, waving to spectators after finishing the ascent.
The event marked the first time the landmark had been climbed without a rope, amplifying both admiration and concern over the risks involved.
Honnold climbed one corner of the 101-floor building, relying on small L-shaped outcroppings and balconies to rest during the most demanding sections.
The middle portion of the tower, known for its bamboo-inspired design, posed the greatest challenge with steep overhangs and exposed transitions.
Wind conditions intensified near the spire, requiring careful balance as he completed the final meters.
The climb was originally scheduled a day earlier but was postponed due to rain, underscoring the narrow safety margins involved.
Honnold later described the experience as visually striking and physically demanding, summing up the finish with a single word: "Sick."
The ascent was carried out with the approval of Taipei 101 management and the city government and was broadcast live by Netflix with a short delay.
Taiwanese political leaders publicly congratulated Honnold, saying the broadcast showcased the country from a perspective rarely seen in global coverage.
Crowds cheering from inside the building briefly came face to face with the climber through windows as he passed upper floors.
While the feat drew widespread praise, it also renewed debate over the ethics of broadcasting extreme risk in real time.
Honnold’s climb follows a 2004 ascent by French climber Alain Robert, who reached the top using ropes, making this latest effort a significant escalation in the building’s climbing history.