American climber scales 508-metre skyscraper without safety gear

American rock climber Alex Honnold has completed a unique ascent of the Taipei 101 skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital, climbing the 508-meter tower without ropes or safety equipment.

On January 25, 2026, the athlete took about an hour and a half to scale all 101 floors of the high-rise. Upon reaching the top of the spire, Honnold greeted spectators gathered at the base of the building, Caliber.Az reports via American media.

The climb was broadcast live on Netflix.

Honnold moved along a corner of the building, using small ledges as footholds and handholds. The most challenging section was the 64 floors of the central part — the so-called “bamboo boxes” that form the skyscraper’s distinctive silhouette. These are divided into eight-floor segments, where steep overhanging sections alternate with balconies that allowed for short stops.

The ascent had originally been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed by one day due to rain.

Honnold became the first person to climb Taipei 101 without safety systems. Previously, in 2004, the skyscraper was climbed by French “Spider-Man” Alain Robert — his ascent coincided with the building’s opening ceremony.

By Khagan Isayev