The renaissance originated in Italy, and spread throughout Europe. It was mostly a European phenomenon. It's commonly referred to as an "enlightenment" after the middle ages, but the Islamic world across Africa and the Middle East were already cultural hubs of science and learning before the European Renaissance. The Ming dynasty was in decline by the time the Renaissance really took hold in Europe. Previously, though, they had greatly improved the great wall and the treasure fleets. Kaifeng, the capital of the much older Song dynasty was arguably near industrialization before being invaded by the Jurchens. So yes, the Renaissance was mostly a rise of knowledge in Europe.