The rights and social security of rural migrant workers have been addressed in China in recent years as a result of the work of government departments, international agencies and civil society organisations. This case study of the Social Support Network for Rural Migrant Workers in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, explores one such initiative, in a context in which civil society must operate within the framework of explicit political authorisation and official guidance. The case discusses how well‐placed civil society actors were able to create a space for migrant workers' concerns, which included private sector service providers and the media as well as local government officials. Channels for communication, consultation and advocacy around migrant workers' rights have catalysed some important gains in the regime of service delivery for rural migrant workers.