TAIPEI (TVBS News) — World-renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold will scale Taipei 101 (台北101) without ropes on Saturday (Jan. 25), attempting the first bare-handed ascent of Taiwan's tallest skyscraper. The American climber, famous for his historic 2017 ropeless climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, now confronts the 508-meter tower's smooth glass facade and distinctive bamboo-like structure. "Cold is okay, but rain is a bit challenging. I'm excited, hopefully it'll be a nice day this weekend," Honnold told TVBS ahead of the climb.
The climb has triggered an economic surge in Xinyi District (信義區), Taipei's premier commercial hub, where hotel occupancy rates now exceed 90% and room prices have risen approximately 10%. Tourism experts predict the event will boost economic activity in the surrounding area by 20% to 30%. U.S. streaming giant Netflix and a British extreme sports film crew have deployed over 100 staff members to document the historic climb, amplifying Taipei's international visibility.
Honnold's bare-handed ascent marks a significant escalation from the building's previous climbing milestone. In 2004, French climber Alain Robert scaled Taipei 101 with safety ropes because of rain, earning international recognition for the then-newly completed tower. Local observers point to Honnold's proven endurance and El Capitan experience as indicators of potential success, with his attempt expected to deliver substantial city marketing benefits.
Taipei authorities have announced road closures for the event, shutting down both directions of Songzhi Road (松智路), some lanes of Xinyi Road Section 5 (信義路五段), and adjacent sidewalks during the climb. The Xinyi Precinct (信義分局) police station is deploying seven officers and 19 volunteer traffic controllers to manage crowds and ensure public safety. Spectators and climbing enthusiasts worldwide now await Saturday's attempt on the iconic Taiwanese landmark. ◼