By Li Zexu
American free-solo climbing star Alex Honnold successfully completed a bare-handed solo climb of Taipei 101 on Jan. 25, under global live broadcast coverage by the streaming platform Netflix. The feat not only adds another milestone to his legendary climbing record, but also drew coverage from major international media such as CNN, The New York Times, and The Guardian, helping Taiwan successfully promote itself to the world. Figures from across Taiwanese society posted congratulations and thanks, expressing gratitude to Honnold for letting the world see Taiwan.
Honnold’s challenge began at 9:00 a.m. on the 25th. Weather conditions in Taipei were favorable that day, and large crowds of media and spectators gathered outside. By around 10:00 a.m., Honnold had climbed past the 60th floor. At 10:43 a.m., he reached the top of the 508-meter-tall building, waving to the crowd and cameras.
According to the Central News Agency, major foreign media rushed to report the event, including the BBC, Australia’s 9NEWS, Associated Press, and U.S. National Public Radio (NPR). Some outlets used lead images showing Honnold climbing with national flags flying on both sides. Related coverage also appeared on digital displays at Vienna train stations and on bus billboards in Japan. The Washington Post noted that as Taiwan faces mounting pressure from China, it seized this opportunity to market itself internationally.
Global audiences watched the Netflix livestream simultaneously, ranking it among the most-watched programs in the United States, Canada, and Singapore. American reality-TV star Kim Kardashian and her family also watched from home. Khloé Kardashian posted 11 Instagram Stories, where anxious shouts could be heard in the background such as “Stand farther back!” and “Stop waving—come down already!”
For the best of our weekly content！
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Check your email to complete sign up
Dream come true
Executive producer James Smith revealed at a press conference that Honnold has long dreamed of “climbing a skyscraper.” Taipei 101 holds a special place in Taiwan’s landscape and represents an important part of its culture and society. Its exterior structure is also extremely challenging, making it the top choice on Honnold’s dream list.
In addition to Honnold’s historic ascent, viewers noticed that Netflix brought in former NASA engineer and YouTuber Mark Rober, who has over 75 million subscribers, to serve as on-site host. During the livestream, the hosts explained the building’s bamboo-joint and ruyi-inspired exterior design, introducing Taiwanese cultural symbolism to an international audience.
President Lai Ching-te, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, and Premier Cho Jung-tai all posted congratulations on Facebook.
President Lai congratulated the fearless Alex on completing the challenge and said that through Netflix’s cameras, the world saw not only Taipei 101, but also the warmth of the Taiwanese people and the island’s beautiful hills and scenery, calling it “truly moving.”
Vice President Hsiao said she congratulated Alex on successfully standing atop Taipei 101 through free solo climbing. She thanked all the behind-the-scenes teams who made the achievement possible and allowed audiences worldwide to witness human courage and Taiwan’s beauty through the livestream.
Mayor Chiang said the feat combined courage, professionalism, and extreme focus, making it impossible to look away. The bravery to challenge limits and the calm judgment under intense pressure were deeply admirable. He added special thanks to Taipei 101 for inviting Honnold and to around 30 public and private agencies in Taipei City for their joint support.
Watching with bated breath
Premier Cho said he believed the entire nation watched with bated breath, witnessing strength, beauty, courage, and grandeur. He thanked everyone who contributed to the feat, saying the world once again saw Taiwan: “World + Taiwan = breaking limits.”
On the morning of the 26th, Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun attended the Legislative Yuan’s Finance Committee to deliver a special report on the “impact and response strategies regarding the content of the Taiwan–U.S. tariff and trade agreement on national finance, domestic industry and employment, financial markets, and inflation.”
During questioning, DPP legislator Lee Kun-cheng noted that Taipei 101 Chairwoman Jia Yong-jie had replaced all five flags outside the building with the Republic of China national flag, ensuring it appeared in shots from every angle—an effective promotion of Taiwan deserving recognition and praise.
Lee asked whether the Ministry of Finance or Taipei 101 had provided funding for Honnold’s climb. Chuang replied that neither the Ministry of Finance nor Taipei 101 provided any funding, capital, or sponsorship. Taipei 101 only provided the venue and handled coordination and promotion.