Why is Europe a good place to trade and spread idea

It took quite a long time for the printing concept to get to Europe. Printing was going on in China while the beginning of the middle ages was happening in Europe. The idea really only began to spread when the renaissance began, because of the spark of trade that took place during the Renaissance caused by feudalism leaving and a growing merchant population, as well as the end of the 100 year's war ending making it safe to trade and travel again. Of course one of the main places for ideas to spread was the silk road, but also some European merchants may have seen some books that came from china, and gotten the idea from there.

As you can see in this map of the silk road, the route coming from China goes to Persia and India before reaching Europe. Europe was basically the last country to find out about the concept of printing because they were slow to develop technology during the dark ages.

Where is the map? explain the choices?