This man, possibly German, poses here in the elaborate Chinese costume, complete with mandarin cap and fake queue (pigtail) which can be seen over his right shoulder. He is also holding a water pipe in his right hand.

The photo probably dates back to the Boxer Rebellion (1900) when foreign troops occupied Peking. Guessing from the German translation of the street name, the studio most probably catered to German speakers.

This photo is part of an amazing collection of old Asia photos amassed by my friend Steve Martin.