American free solo climber Alex Honnold completed a historic ascent of Taipei 101 on the morning of Jan. 25 (Taiwan time), scaling the 508-meter skyscraper without ropes in a climb that took 1 hour and 31 minutes, faster than many observers had expected.The ascent was carried out under controlled conditions with official approval and livestreamed globally on Netflix, drawing widespread attention as one of the most daring urban climbing feats ever attempted. Honnold, best known for his ropeless climb of El Capitan documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo, became the first climber to scale Taiwan’s tallest building in this manner.While images of Honnold standing atop the spire quickly spread across social media, sparking discussion worldwide, questions poured in — from how he descended safely, to the role of cultural rituals, and whether climbing a skyscraper differs from natural rock climbing.Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 climb. Climber Alex Honnold free solo climbs Taipei 101. (Yeah Cheng-hsun, TCN) How did Alex Honnold get down after the climb?After completing the free solo ascent, Honnold put on a harness and used a rope to descend from the spire to an internal access point inside the building. From there, he took an elevator back down to the ground.What would have happened if an earthquake occurred during the climb?Earthquake risks were factored into the planning stage, and the climb was conducted under monitored conditions. Organizers said safety protocols were in place throughout the ascent to address potential risks.Why was a pineapple used in the blessing ceremony before the climb?Before Honnold’s ascent, Taipei 101’s chairperson, Chia Yong‑chieh, held a traditional blessing ceremony in front of the building. She offered a pineapple as a symbol of good fortune, performing the ritual in both Mandarin and English. According to local custom, the word for pineapple in Taiwanese Hokkien — ông-lâi — sounds like “prosperity comes,” conveying wishes for success and safety. Honnold’s bemused expression during the ceremony quickly became a viral meme online. Taipei 101 chair Janet Chia and Alex Honnold perform a blessing before the climb (Netflix) Why now?According to the interview with Netflix Tudum, Honnold said he first noticed Taipei 101 around a decade ago. When he initially imagined the project, he even considered climbing it without official permission. Being able to complete the ascent with approval this year, he said, was a great honor.Why did he choose Taipei 101 instead of another skyscraper?Honnold cited the building’s iconic status, its extreme height, and its tiered exterior design, which allowed for safer progression than many other skyscrapers, as key reasons for choosing Taipei 101.What made climbing Taipei 101 particularly challenging?In an interview with CNN, Honnold said the building’s tiered design — with balconies every few floors — can actually make some sections safer than natural rock faces, as a fall would not necessarily be fatal. However, unlike rock climbing, the main challenge came from accumulated muscle fatigue over the long ascent.Is climbing a skyscraper easier than climbing natural rock?Not necessarily. While buildings offer predictable structures, their repetitive design requires sustained endurance and concentration, which can be more physically demanding over time than navigating varied rock formations.Did Honnold get paid for climbing Taipei 101?Yes. According to reports citing The New York Times, Honnold received a mid-six-figure payment — roughly US$500,000 — for the Taipei 101 climb.He described it as an “embarrassingly small” sum compared with major professional sports contracts, but emphasized that the money was not for the climb itself, only for the spectacle.“If there was no TV program and the building gave me permission to go do the thing, I would do it for free,” he said. Climber Alex Honnold free solo climbs Taipei 101. (Yeah Cheng-hsun, TCN) Did Honnold use special shoes or equipment for the climb?No special gear. Honnold wore his standard climbing shoes and used minimal equipment, prioritizing lightness and agility, the same approach he takes when climbing natural rock faces.Was Honnold afraid during the climb?In his book Alone on the Wall, Honnold wrote that climbing does not eliminate fear. Instead, he trains himself to acknowledge it and remain calm, allowing him to continue despite the risks involved, a mindset that made the Taipei 101 climb not only possible but also a moment of global fascination.The climb, livestreamed internationally and widely shared online, highlights both the daring of modern free solo climbers and the unique cultural touches which make such feats resonate far beyond the climbing community. Alex Honnold’s ascent has put Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper firmly on the global map, showcasing both human courage and the thrill of urban climbing.