TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — To prepare for a historic free solo climb of Taipei 101, US climber Alex Honnold conducted a trial ascent on the tower's exterior on Wednesday, drawing a large crowd of onlookers.

The Central Weather Administration issued low-temperature and heavy rain advisories in the morning, as northern Taiwan experienced cold, wet conditions and persistent rain in Taipei, per CNA. Wearing minimal safety gear, including a helmet and climbing harness, Honnold test-climbed the tower, accompanied by a film crew.

Although the ascent was only a practice run, traffic controls were implemented around Taipei 101. Many members of the public gathered outside the restricted area to photograph Honnold on the building, and he also took time to sign autographs and pose for photos with fans.

Honnold plans to ascend all 101 floors of the tower without any ropes in a live Netflix broadcast titled “Skyscraper Live” at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Honnold rose to fame by starring in the 2018 Academy Award–winning documentary “Free Solo,” in which he became the first person to free solo the Freerider route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.