Alex Honnold once again captured global attention this past weekend with an extraordinary feat: scaling Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world, in Taiwan. The climb, broadcast live on Netflix, showcased the renowned free solo climber’s skill, daring, and fearless approach to high-altitude adventure.
Standing 1,667 feet tall, Taipei 101 is famous not only for its height but also for its unique structural design. Its large tuned mass damper helps stabilize the skyscraper against strong winds, while its futuristic architectural style includes multiple sections that taper outward, creating ledges and overhangs that challenge climbers. To reach the pinnacle, Honnold had to navigate eight overhangs, each one presenting a distinct technical obstacle before arriving at the final, narrow spire at the top.
The live broadcast, part of Netflix’s Skyscraper Live, lasted over an hour and 35 minutes. Viewers around the world followed every tense moment as Honnold moved with precision and calm under extreme conditions. What made the feat even more remarkable was that it was completed entirely without safety equipment or protective measures. Honnold had no harness, no ropes, and, according to him, no life insurance—fully exposing himself to the inherent dangers of free soloing such a massive structure.
