Plain English The 'free solo' climb of Taiwan's tallest tower
Mar 23, 2026
A live, rope-free ascent of a 101-story skyscraper drew huge crowds and a global streaming audience. The climb’s design, permits, and safety trade-offs are examined. Production logistics, payment, and streaming delays are explored. Personal reactions and how some people handle extreme fear differently are highlighted.
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Honnold's Live Free Solo Up Taipei 101
- Alex Honnold climbed the outside of Taipei 101 without any ropes or safety gear, starting at about 9 a.m. and finishing in 91 minutes and 34 seconds.
- The climb drew thousands in Taipei and millions on Netflix, mirroring his 2017 free solo of El Capitan filmed in Free Solo.
What Free Solo Really Means
- Free solo climbing means no ropes, harnesses, nets, or protection, making it exceptionally dangerous and rare.
- Honnold's El Capitan free solo remains the most famous example and is widely considered unmatched by other climbers.
Always Get Permission For Public Stunts
- Obtain permission and permits before attempting a high-risk public stunt because building owners and cities can legally block or be held responsible.
- The Taipei 101 climb proceeded only after owners and the city approved and the chairman embraced the idea.