TAIPEI (TVBS News) — American climber Alex Honnold will attempt to free solo climb Taipei 101 on Saturday (Jan. 24), scaling Taiwan's tallest building without ropes or safety equipment. Honnold began training in 2025 to tackle the 508-meter (1,667-foot) skyscraper's unique design and Taiwan's unpredictable weather conditions. The climb presents increasing variables at higher altitudes, with wind, humidity, and architectural features creating significant challenges for the renowned climber.
TVBS meteorological consultant Cheng Ming-dean (鄭明典) warned Tuesday that gusty winds will complicate the climb. "Gusty winds are unpredictable, making it hard to find the right angle. Strong winds at higher altitudes put extra strain on the body, making balance much more difficult," he said. High humidity adds to the challenge by making the building's surface slippery, creating hazardous conditions for the climber's grip.
Taipei 101's multi-section design, featuring W-shaped angles, dragon motifs, coins, auspicious clouds, and Ruyi symbols, a traditional Chinese ornament symbolizing good fortune, poses additional obstacles. Dai Yun-fa (戴雲發), founding president of the Building Safety Certification Association (建築安全履歷協會), said these features create obstacles and make climbing more challenging. Each eight-floor unit features a 7-degree inward slope, designed as a high-tech structure for disaster and wind resistance.
Taipei 101's exterior, composed of glass curtain walls and aluminum panels, requires climbers to use magnesium carbonate powder, also known as climbing chalk, to prevent slipping and keep their hands dry. Physics teacher Chang Rui (張瑞) explained the increased difficulty in maintaining grip on the aluminum frame. "Compared with rock, the aluminum frame of Taipei 101 has a much lower friction coefficient," he said. "As a result, the climber must exert more than 1.3 times the usual force to keep his body in place." ◼
