Professional climber Alex Honnold is preparing to attempt one of the most audacious feats of his career: a ropeless ascent of Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, broadcast live to a global audience.
Rising 1,667 feet (508 meters) above Taiwan’s capital, the iconic tower will be the stage for Honnold’s latest free-solo climb—meaning he will scale the building without ropes, harnesses, or protective gear. The event, scheduled for Saturday morning local time, will be streamed live by Netflix, drawing both widespread excitement and serious concern.
Honnold, best known for his historic free-solo climb of Yosemite’s El Capitan featured in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, says the Taipei 101 ascent has been on his mind for years. He describes it as a singular challenge—distinctive, imposing, and unlike anything else around it.
“I’m always drawn to objectives that stand alone,” Honnold said in a recent interview. “Taipei 101 clearly fits that category.”
A skyscraper as a climbing route
Although Taipei 101 has been climbed before, Honnold will be the first to attempt it without a rope. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert scaled the building using safety equipment during its grand opening. Honnold has spent months preparing, rehearsing the route and studying the structure, including consultations with Robert himself.
The building’s design presents a unique challenge. Its middle section, made up of stacked, pagoda-like segments often referred to as “bamboo boxes,” forms the most demanding part of the climb. These sections feature steep, overhanging surfaces punctuated by narrow balconies that may offer brief moments of rest.
Honnold has downplayed the difficulty, saying the climb should be challenging enough to stay mentally engaging without pushing him beyond his limits. Still, the margin for error in free soloing—especially in an urban environment—is effectively zero.
Live broadcast and safety planning
The decision to air the climb live has intensified debate. The broadcast will run on a short delay, allowing producers to cut the feed immediately if something goes wrong. Event organizers say extensive precautions are in place, including weather monitoring, communication systems between Honnold and producers, and camera crews positioned both inside and outside the building.
If conditions such as wind or rain become unsafe, Honnold has said he will abandon the attempt.
Despite these measures, critics question whether televising such a high-risk act crosses an ethical line—particularly given Honnold’s influence and his role as a father of two.
Inspiration or dangerous example?
Supporters argue that Honnold’s meticulous preparation and discipline distinguish him from reckless thrill-seekers. Local climbers in Taiwan have expressed admiration, saying his ascent represents a dream many have imagined while gazing up at the skyscraper.
Ethicists, however, warn that broadcasting the climb could encourage copycat behavior, especially among young or inexperienced viewers. Comparisons have been drawn to past televised daredevil stunts and to modern trends such as illegal “roof-topping,” which have resulted in multiple fatalities worldwide.
Climbing historians note that risk has always been embedded in the sport’s culture. What looks like adrenaline-fueled spectacle to the public, they say, often feels like a deeply focused, almost meditative practice to experienced climbers.
A defining moment
Whether seen as an extraordinary athletic achievement or a troubling spectacle, Honnold’s Taipei 101 climb is poised to become a landmark moment in both climbing history and live television. As cameras roll and viewers tune in around the world, the attempt will test not only physical limits, but also society’s appetite for risk in the age of global livestreams.
