This paper systematically compares 22 Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) movement cases from 2003 to 2015, using the method of multivalue set qualitative comparative analysis. Based upon the characteristics of Chinese contentious politics, the study proposes an exploratory analytical framework to explain the success of social protests. The results show that with regard to the theory of resourcemobilization, the theory of political opportunity explains NIMBY movement in a good way. The analysis demonstrates that risk perception, eastern region, internet mobilization, citizen participation and the favorable coverage of central media contribute to a successful outcome. Differing from the previous study, it is found that the intervention of the environmental protection organizations may result in the failure of NIMBY movement. In addition, this research broadens the methodological implications for the future research on NIMBY protest outcomes.